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HP Armada 1500c Troubleshooting Manual

Hp armada 1500c: supplementary guide
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2
chapter
T
ROUBLESHOOTING
Follow these basic steps when beginning the troubleshooting process:
Complete the preliminary steps listed in Section 2.1.
1.
Run the Power-On Self-Test (POST) as described in Section 2.3.
2.
Run Computer Setup as described in Section 2.5.1.
3.
Run the Computer Checkup (TEST) as described in Section 2.6.
4.
If you are unable to run POST or Computer Checkup, or if the problem persists after
5.
running POST and Computer Checkup, perform the recommended actions described
in the diagnostic tables in Section 2.5.
Follow these guidelines when troubleshooting:
Complete the recommended actions in the order in which they are given.
Repeat POST and Computer Checkup after each recommended action until the
problem is resolved and the error message does not return.
When the problem is resolved, stop performing the troubleshooting steps and do not
complete the remaining recommended actions.
Refer to Chapter 5, "Computer Removal and Replacement Procedures," for removal
and replacement procedures that are recommended.
If the problem is intermittent, check the computer several times to verify that the
problem is solved.
The following table describes the troubleshooting actions:
If You Want To:
Check for POST error messages
Check that computer components are recognized and
running properly
View information about the computer and installed or
connected devices
Perform any of the following:
Check the system configuration.
Set the system power management parameters.
Return the system to its original configuration.
Check system configuration of installed devices.
Then Run:
POST
Computer Checkup (TEST) under Compaq Utilities
View System Information (INSPECT) under
Compaq Utilities
Computer Setup
Troubleshooting 2-1

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  • Page 1 chapter ROUBLESHOOTING Follow these basic steps when beginning the troubleshooting process: Complete the preliminary steps listed in Section 2.1. Run the Power-On Self-Test (POST) as described in Section 2.3. Run Computer Setup as described in Section 2.5.1. Run the Computer Checkup (TEST) as described in Section 2.6. If you are unable to run POST or Computer Checkup, or if the problem persists after running POST and Computer Checkup, perform the recommended actions described in the diagnostic tables in Section 2.5.

  • Page 2: Preliminary Steps

    2.1 Preliminary Steps IMPORTANT: Use the external power supply when running POST, Computer Setup, or Computer Checkup. A low battery condition could initiate Hibernation and interrupt the test. Before running POST and Computer Checkup: Obtain established passwords. If you must clear the passwords, go to Section 2.2. Ensure that the hard drive is installed in the computer.

  • Page 3: Clearing Passwords

    2.2 Clearing Passwords The power-on password prevents use of the computer until the password is entered. The setup password prevents unauthorized changes to Computer Setup. To clear the passwords, you must remove all power from the system board. If you do not know the passwords, use the following procedure to clear the password: Remove all battery packs from the battery bay and DualBay, if applicable.

  • Page 4: Post Error Messages

    2.4 POST Error Messages If the system is not functioning well enough to run POST, or if the display is not functioning well enough to show POST error messages, refer to the Troubleshooting tables in Section 2.6. If POST detects an error, one of the following events occurs: A message with the prefix "WARNING"...
  • Page 5 Table 2-1 Warning Messages Continued Message Description Diskette information invalid, run SCU The drive parameters stored in CMOS RAM do not match the diskette drives detected in the system. Hard disk controller error The hard drive controller failed to respond to the reset command.
  • Page 6 Fatal errors emit a beep and may display a FATAL message. Fatal errors indicate severe problems, such as a hardware failure. Fatal errors do not allow the system to resume. Some of the Fatal error beep codes are listed at the end of this section. Message CMOS RAM test failed DMA controller faulty...

  • Page 7: Compaq Utilities

    2.5 Compaq Utilities Compaq Utilities contain several functions that Determine if various computer devices are recognized by the system and are operating properly. Provide information about the system after it is configured. Compaq Utilities include the following programs: Computer Setup Computer Checkup (TEST) View System Information (INSPECT) To access Compaq Utilities:...
  • Page 8 Categories by type: System features—security, power, boot management Communication—port, modem, and other communication devices Storage—storage-related devices such as hard drive, CD-ROM drive, DVD-ROM drive, diskette drive Input devices—keyboard, mouse, and other input devices Network—network adapter or other network-related devices Audio—sound properties and audio device settings Video—display timeouts and video device resources Other—miscellaneous devices Categories by connection:...
  • Page 9 2.5.2 Computer Checkup (TEST) Computer Checkup (TEST) determines whether the various computer components and devices are recognized by the computer and are functioning properly. You can display, print, or save the information that Computer Checkup generates. NOTE: Compaq Utilities are intended for testing only Compaq-supplied components. Testing non-Compaq components may be inconclusive.
  • Page 10 Computer Checkup (TEST) Error Codes Computer Checkup (TEST) error codes occur if the system recognizes a problem while running Computer Checkup. These error codes help identify possible defective assemblies. Table 2-4 through Table 2-14 list Computer Checkup error codes, a description of the error condition, and the recommended action for resolving the condition.
  • Page 11 Keyboard Test Error Codes Error Code Description 300-xx Failed ID Test 301-xx Failed Self Test/Interface Test 302-xx Failed Individual Key Test 304-xx Failed Keyboard Repeat Test Parallel Printer Test Error Codes Error Code Description 401-xx Printer failed or not connected. 402-xx Failed Port Test 403-xx...
  • Page 12 Error Code Description 600-xx Diskette ID drive types test failed. 601-xx Diskette format failed. 602-xx Diskette read test failed. 603-xx Diskette write/read/compare test failed. 604-xx Diskette random read test failed. 605-xx Diskette ID media test failed. 606-xx Diskette speed test failed. 609-xx Diskette reset controller test failed.
  • Page 13 Video Test Error Codes Error Code Description 501-xx Video controller test failed. 502-xx Video memory test failed. 503-xx Video attribute test failed. 504-xx Video character set test failed. 505-xx Video 80 × 25 mode 9 × 14 character cell test failed. 506-xx Video 80 ×...
  • Page 14 Table 2-11 Video Test Error Codes Error Code Description 2451-xx 132-column Advanced VGA test failed. 2456-xx Advanced VGA 256 Color test failed. 2458-xx Advanced VGA Bit BLT test failed. 2468-xx Advanced VGA DAC test failed. 2477-xx Advanced VGA data path test failed. 2478-xx Advanced VGA Bit BLT test failed.
  • Page 15 2.5.3 Running View System Information (INSPECT) The View System Information (INSPECT) utility provides information about the computer and installed or connected devices. You can display, print, or save the information. To access the INSPECT utility: Connect a printer if you want to print the INSPECT information. Turn on or restart the computer.

  • Page 16: Running Compaq Diagnostics

    2.5.4 Running Compaq Diagnostics Compaq Diagnostics provides computer component information when the operating system is working. If you are running Windows 95 or later, access Compaq Diagnostics for Windows by double-clicking My Computer 2.5.5 Boot Sequencing Run Computer Setup. Click the System Features icon Designate the hard drive boot (startup) sequence you want.
  • Page 17 Table 2-15 Factory Default Settings Low Battery Warning Beep External Energy-Saving Monitor Connected Power Management Enabled Conservation Level Level Definition High Medium Custom Enable QuickLock/QuickBlank Enable Power-On Password Disable Serial/Infrared Ports Disable Parallel Port Disable PC Card Slots Setup Password Power-On Password Diskette Drives Disable Diskette Drives...

  • Page 18: Troubleshooting Without Diagnostics

    2.6 Troubleshooting Without Diagnostics This section provides information about how to identify and correct some common hardware, memory, and software problems. It also explains several types of messages that may be displayed on the screen. Since symptoms can appear to be similar, carefully match the symptoms of the computer malfunction against the problem description in the Troubleshooting tables to avoid a misdiagnosis.

  • Page 19: Solving Audio Problems

    Solving Audio Problems Solving Audio Problems Problem Probable Cause Computer does not beep after Speaker volume has been the Power-On Self-Test turned down. (POST). Computer beeped five times Computer has entered a and battery light is blinking. low-battery condition. Computer does not beep to Low-battery warning beeps indicate a low-battery have been turned off.
  • Page 20 Table 2-16 Solving Audio Problems Problem Internal speaker does not produce sound when an external audio source is connected to the stereo line-in jack. External microphone does not work. No sound from game program No sound from headphones 2-20 Troubleshooting Continued Probable Cause Recommended Action(s)

  • Page 21: Solving Battery Problems

    Solving Battery Problems The following table lists some common battery problems and recommended actions to take when they occur. The "Solving Power Problems" section in this chapter also may be applicable. Solving Battery and Battery Gauge Problems Problem Probable Cause The computer turns on the The battery pack is in first time it is used, but the...
  • Page 22 Table 2-17 Solving Battery and Battery Gauge Problems Problem Computer turned off and information in memory was lost when the battery pack was replaced. You have to set the date and time every time you turn on the computer. Battery pack charge does not last as long as expected.

  • Page 23: Solving Diskette And Diskette Drive Problems

    Solving Diskette and Diskette Drive Problems Solving Diskette and Diskette Drive Problems Problem Probable Cause Diskette drive cannot read a Diskette media has a bad diskette. sector. Using the wrong diskette type for the diskette drive type. Diskette is not formatted. Diskette drive cannot write to Diskette is not formatted.

  • Page 24: Solving Hard Drive Problems

    Solving Hard Drive Problems CAUTION: To prevent loss of information, always maintain an up-to-date backup of the hard drive. Problem Cannot access hard drive. Reading hard drive takes an unusually long time after restarting the computer. Hard drive error occurs. Hard drive error occurs.

  • Page 25: Solving Hardware Installation Problems

    Solving Hardware Installation Problems Solving Hardware Installation Problems Problem Probable Cause New device is not The system did not recognized as part of automatically configure the the computer system. new device. Cable(s) of new external device are loose or power cables are unplugged.

  • Page 26: Solving Modem Problems

    Solving Modem Problems Problem Modem loses connection. Noisy telephone line Phone line noise causing a disconnection. 2-26 Troubleshooting Table 2-22 Solving Modem Problems Probable Cause Recommended Action(s) The connection from the Check to make sure the telephone cable is phone line to the modem is properly connected.
  • Page 27 Table 2-22 Solving Modem Problems Problem Probable Cause Phone service is not No dial tone connected to the telephone wall jack. The modem is not responding to commands from the computer keyboard. Speaker Control AT Command (ATM) is set to 0. The modem is plugged into a digital PBX line rather than an analog line.
  • Page 28 Table 2-22 Solving Modem Problems Problem Ten-digit dialing does not work correctly under Windows 95 or later. Modem cable disables/interferes with other telephony devices (Germany, Austria, and Switzerland only). Modem does not dial correctly under Windows 95 or later (Switzerland and Germany only).

  • Page 29: Solving Pc Card Problems

    Solving PC Card Problems Solving PC Card Problems Problem Probable Cause Computer does not beep when System beeps are turned PC Card is inserted but PC down. Card works correctly. PC Card sound effects have been disabled. Computer does not beep when PC Card is not inserted PC Card is inserted and PC properly.

  • Page 30: Solving Power Problems

    Solving Power Problems Problem Computer will not turn on. Computer will not turn on when connected to external power if battery pack is in the computer. Computer turned off while it was left unattended and the power/suspend light is off. Computer turned off while it was left unattended and will not turn on.

  • Page 31: Solving Display Problems

    Solving Display Problems IMPORTANT: Conduct all tests on a working monitor. If the recommended actions do not solve the problem, replace the display. If the problem persists with a new display, replace the system board. Solving Display Problems Problem Probable Cause Characters are dim.
  • Page 32 Table 2-25 Solving Display Problems Problem External monitor does not display information. Small red, green, or blue spots appear on the computer CTFT display. Display on an external monitor is distorted. The image has a black border and does not fill the screen.

  • Page 33: Solving Usb Problems

    Solving USB Problems Solving USB Problems Problem Probable Cause External device connected to The operating system limits a USB connector does external devices connected not work. by USB to two tiers that can include no more than two hubs on the first tier and no more than one keyboard and one pointing device on the first or second tier.

  • Page 34: Solving Software Application Problems

    Solving Software Application Problems Most software application or installation problems occur as a result of one or more of the following: The application was not installed correctly. Memory was not allocated correctly. A conflict exists between applications. Solving Software Application Problems Problem Cannot use an application Insufficient memory to run...

  • Page 35: Solving External Device Installation Problems

    Solving External Device Installation Problems Solving External Device Installation Problems Problem Probable Cause A new device is not Power switch of the new recognized as part of the external device was not turned computer system on before the system was turned on.
  • Page 36 2-36 Troubleshooting...

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