This special index is designed to help you find solutions to problemsfast. Whether your system is beeping at startup, you're getting the dreaded blue screen of death, or you can't hear your rocket launcher blasts in your latest Unreal Tournament Deathmatch, this index will help you find solutions, quickly and relatively painlessly.
Problem | Details About Solution |
|---|
Technology | Symptom | Cause | Solution | Page |
|---|
ATA drive | Can't detect drive with BIOS setup program. | Power cable might be loose or missing. | Reattach power cable. | 827 |
ATA drive | Can't detect drive with BIOS setup program. | Missing or reversed ATA data cable. | Reattach ATA data cable and verify pin 1 to pin 1 at both ends of cable. | 821 |
ATA drive | Can't detect either drive on cable with BIOS setup program. | Both drives might be cabled as master or slave. | Change one drive to master and the other drive to slave. | 564, 819 |
ATA drive | Drive doesn't perform reliably. | IDE cable might be longer than 18". | Switch to 18" cable. | 821 |
ATA drive | Need to install an ATA drive on a system with only Serial ATA connectors. | Serial ATA uses a physically different connector from ATA/IDE. | Use an ATA/IDE drive-to-Serial ATA adapter. | 573 |
ATA drive | Need to install an ATA drive more than 18" from the host adapter. | Ultra-ATA has an 18" limit for reliable performance. | Use a Serial ATA host adapter and drive, or a Serial ATA host adapter and ATA/Serial ATA adapter; Serial ATA cables can be 1 meter long. | 569 |
Audio | Your sound card doesn't sound quite right. | Hardware resource conflict. | Use Windows Device Manager to find conflicts and resolve them. | 393 |
Audio | Sound card can't be detected. | Settings already in use by other cards. | Install sound card first. | 400 |
Audio | Can hear music and sounds in Windows but not DOS. | Incorrect settings for Sound Blaster compatibility. | Install emulation settings or run DOS emulation program. | 941 |
Audio | DOS game can't detect sound card correctly. | Inadequate Sound Blaster compliance or missing DOS drivers. | Verify DOS drivers are installed and manually select best emulation. | 951 |
Audio | Game port on sound card conflicts with other game port in system. | Game port uses only a single I/O address range. | Disable sound card's game port or remove other game port from system. | 969 |
Audio | Can't hear any sounds at all. | Various causes, including incorrect connections, mixer setup, power, and so on. | See checklist. | 969 |
Audio | Can hear sound through just one speaker. | Various causes, including incorrect or defective speaker jack/plug, mixer controls, and others. | See checklist. | 970 |
Audio | Volume is low. | Various causes, including mixer controls, volume controls on speakers or sound cards. | See checklist. | 971 |
Audio | Scratchy sound. | Various causes, including interference, ISA sound card, wrong expansion slot. | See checklist. | 972 |
Audio | Computer won't start after installing sound card. | Card might not be installed in slot properly, or Windows IOS might be corrupted. | See checklist. | 972 |
Audio | Speaker or microphone won't work. | Incorrect jacks. | Use correct jack for each device. | 976 |
Audio | Can't use onboard audio. | Audio might be disabled in BIOS. | Enable audio. | 451 |
Audio speakers | Can hear sound through some speakers but not others (4.1 surround and higher audio configurations). | Various causes, including incorrect or defective speaker jack/plug, mixer controls, and others. | See checklist. | 971 |
Audio | Can't use onboard audio. | Audio header cables might be disconnected. | Connect audio header cables to motherboard. | 1230 |
Battery for CMOS/RTC | System can't maintain correct time when turned off. | Battery is about to fail. | Replace battery. | 1216 |
BIOS | Calendar-related and leap-year bugs. | BIOS is out-of-date. | Upgrade Flash BIOS. | 429 |
BIOS | Can't install Flash BIOS update. | BIOS is write-protected. | Disable write-protection. | 434 |
BIOS | BIOS update fails. | BIOS is corrupted. | Enable Flash Recovery feature and restart update process. | 437 |
CD-ROM, DVD | Can't boot from CD-ROM drive. | BIOS is out-of-date. | Upgrade Flash BIOS. | 429 |
CD-ROM, DVD | Can't boot from CD-ROM drive. | CD-ROM not listed first in Boot order. | Adjust boot deivice priority. | 460 |
DirecWAY | Download speeds drop drastically after downloading one or two large files. | DirecPC has enabled FAP (Fair Access Policy) slowdowns on your service. | Download less at one time; take breaks between big downloads, or switch to another service. | 1068 |
DSL | Can't use DSL service after self-install. | Service might not be set up by provider; microfilter might not be installed as needed. | Make sure provider has activated DSL service; make sure all conventional phones and telephony equipment has a microfilter. | 1063 |
DSL | Slower-than-expected service. | Line might be poor quality; RWIN or other Windows Registry settings might not be optimized. | Ask installer to test line; adjust Windows Registry with tools available from DSL Reports. | 1066 |
File transfer | Can't connect two computers with standard parallel cable. | Standard parallel is designed for PC-to-device, not PC-to-PC, connections. | Use a LapLink-compatible parallel cable. | 1007 |
Floppy disk | Can't write data to floppy disk; data can be read. | Floppy disk write protection is enabled in BIOS. | Disable floppy disk write protection. | 454 |
Floppy drive | Disk left in floppy drive prevents system bootup. | Floppy drive has higher boot priority than hard drive. | Adjust boot priority in system BIOS. | 460 |
Floppy drive | Contents of all floppy disks viewed appear to be duplicates of the first disk, although the contents of each disk are different. | Changeline support (which detects disk changes) has failed; this problem is also called the "phantom directory." | Verify BIOS setup for drive is correct and that DC jumper (if any) has been set. | 685 |
Floppy drive | Disks placed on top of a TV or monitor have data errors when read. | Magnetic fields generated by the picture tube can corrupt data. | Store disks away from magnetic fields. | 688 |
Floppy drive | Disk access light stays on continuously after system is started. | One end of floppy cable is reversed. | Change reversed end of floppy cable, verifying pin 1 to pin 1. | 851 |
Hard disk | Can't access full capacity of hard drive over 8.4GB. | BIOS is out-of-date. | Upgrade Flash BIOS. | 429 |
Hard disk | Can't access full capacity of hard drive over 8.4GB. | BIOS is out-of-date, and BIOS upgrade is not available. | Install an add-on BIOS card with EDD support. | 592 |
Hard disk | Can't use UDMA drives at full speed. | BIOS is out-of-date. | Upgrade Flash BIOS. | 429 |
Hard disk | Can't use UDMA drives at full speed. | Chipset drivers not installed. | Install drivers provided with motherboard. | 1261 |
Hard disk | IDE drive not ready errors during startup. | Drive not spinning up fast enough at startup. | Enable or increase hard disk predelay time. | 452 |
Hard disk | Can't use drive capacity beyond 528MB. | LBA mode not enabled in BIOS. | Enable LBA mode. | 452 |
Hard drive | UDMA/66 or UDMA/100 drive runs at UDMA/33 on systems that support UDMA/66 or UDMA/100. | Incorrect cable might be in use. | Use 80-wire UDMA cable in place of normal 40-wire IDE cable. | 556 |
Hard drive | Can't read contents of IDE drive over 528MB after moving it to a new system. | Drive geometry or translation not set correctly on new system. | Set correct Cyl-Hd-Sectors setting for drive and LBA or Ext CHS translation. | 579 |
Hard drive | BIOS recognizes full capacity of drive over 8.4GB, but operating system will not. | Some operating systems aren't designed to use drives over 8.4GB. | Upgrade or patch your operating system to achieve compliance. | 592 |
Hard drive | Windows 98 FDISK misidentifies the capacity of a drive over 64GB. | FDISK incorrectly reads the disk capacity. | Download an updated version of FDISK from Microsoft's website. | 658 |
Hard drive | Immediately back up your data and replace your hard disk drive. A failure may be imminent. error message is seen. | The drive uses SMART to predict back up failures, and the SMART system has detected a serious problem with the drive. | Follow the onscreen instructions to back up your drive. | 665 |
Hard drive | Hard drive letters above C: are pushed higher when second drive is installed. | New drive was prepared with a primary partition, which takes precedence over drive letters in the first drive's extended partition. | Prepare additional drives with an extended partition. | 832 |
Hard drive | New hard disk letters conflict with removable media drives not connected to system in Windows 2000/XP. | Windows 2000/XP doesn't change existing removable-media or optical drive letters when drives are present. | Use Disk Management to adjust existing and new drive letters as necessary. | 835 |
Hard drive | Invalid Drive Specification error. | Drive has not been partitioned or high-level formatted, or wrong OS is being used to view drive. | Verify drive is empty with recent Windows versions before running FDISK and FORMAT. | 843 |
Hard drive | Invalid Media Type error. | Drive has not been FDISKed, or drive's format is corrupt. | View drive with FDISK's #4 option, and create new partitions as necessary. | 843 |
IDE drives (see ATA drives) | | | | |
Internet | Can't share Internet connection. | Problems with host or client configuration. | See checklist. | 1093 |
IRQ | Conflicts between PCI deivices. | PCI IRQ steering not enabled. | Enable PCI IRQ steering. | 384 |
IRQ | Conflicts between PCI devices in Windows 98/Me. | PCI IRQ steering not enabled. | Enable PCI IRQ steering. | 384 |
IRQ | Conflicts between PCI devices. | Devices use slots that share same IRQ. | Move one device to a different slot. | 384 |
IRQ | Conflicts between COM ports. | IRQs shared between COM1 and 3; between COM2 and 4. | Disable unused COM port or change IRQ if possible. | 388 |
ISA cards | ISA cards have hardware conflicts with PCI cards. | Resources not reserved for ISA cards. | Reserve resources for ISA cards. | 458 |
Keyboard | Num Lock stays off when starting system. | Num Lock shut off in BIOS. | Turn on Num Lock in BIOS. | 447 |
Keyboard | Intermittent keyboard failures. | Keyboard cable or keyboard jack might be defective. | Test keyboard cable or jack with digital multimeter. | 1029 |
Keyboard | Keys are sticking. | Keyboard might have spilled drink or trapped debris under keys. | Remove keytops and clean under keys, or wash out keyboard. | 1031 |
Keyboard | USB keyboard works in Windows but not in DOS or BIOS setup. | USB Legacy mode is not enabled in BIOS or not present. | Connect a standard keyboard (or a keyboard/USB adapter) and enable USB Legacy mode. | 1027 |
Keyboard | Standard keys on keyboard work, but not multimedia or Internet keys. | The keyboard driver is not installed or is defective. | Install the latest driver for your keyboard. | 1029 |
Keyboard | Wireless keyboard doesn't work at some angles relative to the computer. | IR sensors in keyboard and on computer are losing line-of-sight. | Reposition IR sensor connected to computer to maintain line-of-sight. | 1048 |
Keyboard | Wireless keyboard doesn't work at long distances (such as with a Media Center PC and big-screen display). | Conventional wireless devices have a 6-foot range. | Use Bluetooth-enabled keyboard to have a range of up to 30 feet. | 1048 |
Keyboard | Wireless keyboard stops working after you moved the computer. | The receiver might be disconnected from the USB or keyboard port. | Reconnect the receiver and re-synchronize the keyboard and receiver. | 1052 |
LAN | Can't use onboard LAN. | LAN might be disabled in BIOS. | Enable LAN device. | 451 |
Modem | Internal modem locks up system when trying to make a connection. | Modem might be set to same IRQ as the serial port the mouse is attached to. | Disable the unused COM port on the system, and set the modem to use that COM port number. | 1001 |
Modem | Modem works correctly with Internet access, but computer-to-computer terminal emulation produces garbage screens. | Incorrect bps, word length, stop bit, or terminal emulation settings compared to remote system's requirements. | Determine correct values for remote system and set up HyperTerminal or other connection program accordingly. | 1076 |
Modem | 56Kbps modem connects at 33.6Kbps or less. | Some telephone lines can't provide greater than 33.6Kbps service. | Switch to a broadband service, or use modem bonding to achieve higher speeds. | 1082 |
Modem | Modem drops calls unexpectedly. | You might have call-waiting enabled, which interrupts the modem carrier signal. | Disable call-waiting (ask phone company for details), or upgrade to modems with call-waiting support. | 1088 |
Modem | Can't dial with analog (dialup) modem. | Various causes. | See checklist. | 1094 |
Modem | System locks up after installing internal modem. | IRQ conflicts with other ports or devices. | Use Windows Device Manager to find conflicts and resolve them. | 393 |
Modem | Computer can't detect external modem. | Wrong cable, port problems, or power problems. | Check cable, port setup, and power. | 1095 |
Motherboard | Damage to motherboard from heatsink clips on socketed processors. | Clips slip and scratch motherboard surface. | Attach plastic tape on motherboard before installing heatsink. | 1271 |
Mouse | Mouse doesn't work. | Hardware resource conflict. | Use Windows Device Manager to find conflicts and resolve them. | 393 |
Mouse | Can't use PS/2 mouse. | PS/2 mouse port might be disabled. | Enable PS/2 mouse port. | 462 |
Mouse | Mouse doesn't work when attached via adapter to a different port type. | Mouse might not be hybrid type (designed for various ports). | Use adapters only with hybrid mice; use adapter packaged with mouse. | 1039 |
Mouse | Mouse pointer jerks onscreen. | Mouse ball or rollers are dirty. | Clean mouse mechanism. | 1040 |
Mouse | Mouse works for basic operations, but extra buttons or scroll doesn't work. | Incorrect or outdated mouse driver is being used. | Download and install correct mouse driver from vendor site. | 1033 |
Mouse | Mouse works in Windows, but not when booted to DOS. | DOS driver must be loaded from AUTOEXEC.BAT or CONFIG.SYS. | Install DOS mouse driver, and reference it in startup file(s). | 1042 |
Mouse | Wireless mouse doesn't work at some angles relative to the computer. | IR sensors in mouse and on computer are losing line-of-sight. | Reposition IR sensor connected to the computer to maintain line-of-sight. | 1048 |
Mouse | Wireless mouse doesn't work at long distances (such as with a Media Center PC and big-screen display). | Conventional wireless devices have a range of 6 feet. | Use Bluetooth-enabled mouse to have a range of up to 30 feet. | 1048 |
Mouse | Wireless mouse stops working after you move the computer. | The receiver might be disconnected from the USB or mouse port. | Reconnect the receiver and resynchronize the mouse and receiver. | 1051 |
Network | System locks up after installing network card. | IRQ conflicts with other ports or devices. | Use Windows Device Manager to find conflicts and resolve them. | 393 |
Network | Network adapter doesn't work. | Hardware resource conflict. | Use Windows Device Manager to find conflicts and resolve them. | 393 |
Network | Can't connect to other computers on network after installing a new custom-built cable. | Cable might not match prevailing wiring standard on network. | Check wiring of other cables to see which wiring standard is used; build new cable to match. | 1115 |
Network | Distant computer works with 10BASE-T network but not with Fast Ethernet. | Computer might be too far from hub or switch because Fast Ethernet has shorter maximum distance. | Install repeater, or use new switch/hub as repeater. | 1118 |
Network | Can't connect to other users on network, although card diagnostics check out. | Might not have correct network software components installed. | See checklist. | 1138 |
Network | Duplicate computer ID error with Windows 9x/Me. | More than one computer has the same name or IP address on the network. | Adjust computer name or IP address with the Network properties sheet. | 1141 |
Network | Users can't see all the computers on the network with Windows 9x/Me. | Multiple workgroup names are in use. | Adjust workgroup name (must match for all on network) with Network properties. | 1141 |
Network | Duplicate computer ID error with Windows 2000 or Windows XP. | More than one computer has the same name or IP address on the network. | Adjust computer name with the System properties sheet; configure IP address with Network Connections. | 1141 |
Network | Users can't see all the computers on the network with Windows2000/XP. | Multiple workgroup names are in use. | Adjust workgroup name (must match for all on network) with System properties. | 1141 |
Network | Users can't share printers or folders with others. | File/Print sharing might not be installed; folders or printers might not be set to shared. | Install File/Print sharing, and then set shared folders and printers. | 1141 |
Network | Network changes made, but don't work. | Most Windows systems must be rebooted to put network changes into effect. | Reboot system and then try network operations. | 1141 |
Network | One user can't access network, but others can. | User might not have logged on to network. | Log off system and log on; provide name and password when prompted. | 1141 |
Network | One user can't access network, but others can. | Loose cables at computer, hub, switch, or wiring closet. | Check all cable connections. | 1141 |
Network | One user can't access network, but others can. | Password cache might be corrupt or have outdated passwords. | Log on to resources again and give new password when prompted. | 1141 |
Network | Can't access Internet or other TCP/IP-based resources. | Wrong TCP/IP settings. | Open Network properties sheet and adjust TCP/IP settings as needed for your network. | 1142 |
Network | IP Address Conflict error. | Duplicate IP addresses on two or more machines. | Open Network properties sheet and enter correct, unique IP addresses for each system. | 1142 |
Network | IP Address Conflict error. | Duplicate IP addresses on two or more machines. | Open Network properties sheet and enable DHCP to permit automatic IP addressing. | 1142 |
Network | Need to create a NetBEUI network using Windows XP. | Can't select NetBEUI as an option. | Install NetBEUI manually from the Windows XP CD-ROM. | 1138 |
Optical drives | Drive slows down when reading CD with a small paper label attached to the label side. | Drive can't run at full speed due to uneven weight distribution and must slow down. | Use full-size labels that cover the entire CD's top surface, or use a marker instead of small labels. | 772 |
Optical drives | CD-ROM drive can't read multiple-session disc. | Drive is not compatible with Orange Book multisession standard (XA standard). | Replace drive with new CD-ROM, CD-RW, or DVD drive. | 791 |
Optical drives | Can't read CD-R or CD-RW disc on a CD-ROM drive, but only on a CD-R/CD-RW drive. | CD probably was created with packet-writing software and not closed before being removed. | Return CD-R or CD-RW disc to original system and close session. | 757 |
Optical drives | CD-ROM disc can be read by 32-bit Windows but not by DOS. | CD was created using the UDF (packet-writing) standard. | Use standard mastering software instead of packet-writing to create CDs for use with DOS. | 764 |
Optical drives | Drive runs very slowly or has read errors. | CD lens might be dirty or dusty. | Use a CD lens cleaner, or install a drive with a self-cleaning lens. | 783, 811 |
Optical drives | Can't read CD-RW media on an older drive. | Drives that aren't MultiRead compliant can't read CD-RW media (usually slower than 24x speed). | Replace drive with a MultiRead-compatible CD-ROM or DVD drive or a CD-RW drive. | 791 |
Optical drives | Can't read CD-RW media on MultiRead CD-ROM drive. | Compatible UDF reader might not be installed. | Install UDF reader from CD-RW disc or by downloading reader from software vendor. | 811 |
Optical drives | Can't write to a 10x or faster CD-RW disc in a 4x CD-RW drive. | 10x and faster media meets the High-Speed or Ultra-Speed ReWritable standard; not supported by 2x and 4x CD-RW drives. | Use 2x or 4x media for interchange between 10x or faster and 2x/4x CD-RW drives. | 789 |
Optical drives | Can't write to CD-RW or DVD-RW 1x media. | Media might not be formatted. | Format media with UDF packet-writing software before use. | 811 |
Optical drives | Can't write to CD-RW or DVD-RW 1x media. | Media formatted with different UDF program. | Use same UDF packet-writing software to format media and write to media. | 811 |
Optical drives | Can't write to CD-RW or DVD-RW 1x media. | Media might not be correctly identified. | Eject and reinsert media to force redetection. | 812 |
Optical drives | Can't write to CD-RW or DVD-RW 1x media. | UDF packet-writing software might not support drive. | Contact software vendor for an update. | 812 |
Optical drives | Can't write to CD-RW or DVD-RW 1x media. | Disc might have been formatted with Windows XP's own CD-writing software. | Erase media with Windows XP's CD-writing software and reformat with preferred UDF solution. | 812 |
Optical drives | Can't write to CD-RW or DVD-RW 1x media. | Drive firmware might be out-of-date. | Update firmware. | 813 |
Optical drives | Can't read CD-RW media in a CD-ROM drive. | Media might be damaged. | Reinsert media in original drive; repair media if necessary with UDF packet-writing software utilities. | 813 |
Optical drives | CD-RW or rewriteable DVD drive writes to some types of media more slowly than others. | Drive firmware might not be fully compatible with media type in use. | Download and install the latest firmware for the drive. | 813 |
Optical drives | DVD-RW drive is not compatible with 4x DVD-RW media. | Drive firmware was designed before 4x media was introduced. | Download and install the latest firmware for drive and use only 2x media until update is installed. | 813 |
Optical drives | Cannot install new drive firmware. | Drive is being controlled by other software. | Disable CD-writing software before performing firmware update. | 815 |
Optical drives | Can't read CD-RW media in a DVD. | Drives that aren't MultiRead2 compliant can't read CD-RW or DVD-RAM media. | Replace drive with a MultiRead2 drive. | 791 |
Optical drives | Can't burn a CD-R disc while performing other tasks. | Multitasking operations are causing buffer underruns. | Run only CD-mastering software, slow down burn speed, or upgrade to a drive with buffer underrun protection. | 793 |
Optical drives | Can boot from bootable CD, but can't read contents of CD. | Bootable CD must have CD-ROM driver files and CONFIG.SYS and AUTOEXEC.BAT references to them. | Make sure bootable disk used for creating bootable CD can access CD-ROM. | 813 |
Optical drives | Can't read CD or CD-R discs in a CD-ROM or DVD drive. | Media might not be compatible. | Try different-colored media. | 811 |
Optical drives | Can't read CD-R discs in a CD-ROM or DVD drive. | Media might be written with packet-with packet-x software such as DirectCD. | Reinsert media into original drive, eject media, and select Close to Read on Any Drive. | 811 |
Optical drives | Can't read DVD-RW disc in DVD-ROM drive or DVD player. | DVD-RW media might not be finalized. | Reinsert media into original drive and finalize it before ejecting it. | 811 |
Optical drives | Can't read DVD+RW disc in DVD-ROM drive or DVD player. | DVD+RW media might need to be set to compatibility mode. | Reinsert media into original drive and reset media to compatibility mode. | 806 |
Optical drives | Can't read rewriteable DVD disc in DVD-ROM drive or DVD player. | Disc contains less than 521MB of data. | Add more data to disc beyond 521MB. | 811 |
Optical drives | Can't create writeable DVD. | Incorrect media. | Use +R media in DVD+RW drives; use -R media in DVD-RW drives; either type works in dual-mode drives. | 812 |
Optical drives | Can't create writeable DVD. | Wrong type of project selected in CD/DVD mastering software. | Select DVD project in mastering software. | 812 |
Optical drives | Can't create writeable DVD. | Wrong drive selected. | Select correct drive. | 812 |
Optical drives | Can't create writeable DVD. | Media might be bad. | Try different media. | 812 |
Optical drives | Can't create writeable DVD. | Software might not support recorder. | Get a software update. | 812 |
Optical drives | ATAPI drive runs very slowly, but no read errors. | Wrong cache size. | Adjust cache size in Performance tab of System Properties. | 812 |
Optical drives | ATAPI drive runs very slowly, but no read errors. | CD-ROM drive on same cable as ATA hard drive. | Move CD-ROM drive to secondary ATA cable. | 812 |
Optical drives | ATAPI drive runs very slowly, but no read errors. | UDMA or busmastering drivers might not be installed or enabled. | Install and enable latest UDMA or busmastering drivers. | 812 |
Optical drives | ATAPI drive runs very slowly, but no read errors. | Drive might be using MS-DOS Compatibility Mode (BIOS-based) access. | Reinstall drive to use 32-bit Windows drivers. | 812 |
Optical drives | Can't boot from bootable CD. | System might not support bootable CD. | Verify CD-ROM listed as bootable device and listed first in boot. | 813 |
Optical drives | Can't boot from bootable CD. | Wrong disc format (Joliet or other). | Must use ISO 9660 CD format. | 813 |
Optical | Can't hear music through sound card speakers. | Analog or digital audio cables aren't connected between drive and audio jacks on sound card or motherboard with integrated sound. | Reattach cables to drive and sound card or motherboard; check mixer settings. | 942 |
Parallel port | Can't use onboard parallel port. | Port might be disabled be disabled in BIOS. | Enable port. | 451 |
Parallel port | Conflict between onboard parallel port and other device. | IRQ or I/O port address conflicts with other device. | Adjust IRQ or I/O port address in use, or disable port. | 451 |
Parallel port | Can't use ECP mode. | DMA channel conflicts with another device. | Use alternate DMA channel, or use EPP mode instead. | 451 |
Password | Can't access setup or start system because system prompts for password. | Setup and/or power-on passwords are enabled in BIOS. | Clear password settings. | 445 |
Password | Can't access setup or start system because system prompts for password. | Setup and/or power-on passwords are enabled in BIOS. | Clear password settings. | 458 |
Password | Can't access setup or start system because system prompts for password. | Setup and/or power-on passwords are enabled in BIOS. | Clear CMOS if password settings can't be cleared separately. | 458 |
PCI | IRQ conflicts between PCI cards. | IRQs might be shared between slots. | Move conflicting cards to another PCI slot. | 447 |
PCI | IRQ conflicts between PCI cards. | Auto PCI IRQ Priority might not work for all cards. | Set PCI IRQ priority manually. | 447 |
PnP | Can't install new PnP cards. | PnP/PCI configuration data might be corrupted. | Clear PnP/PCI configuration data and restart system. | 447 |
PnP | Problems with PnP cards and configuration. | BIOS is out-of-date. | Upgrade Flash BIOS. | 429 |
Power management | System can't use power management features. | Power management disabled. | Enable power management. | 459 |
Power management | Can't control power management through Windows. | ACPI power management disabled. | Enable ACPI power management. | 459 |
Power management | Can't use ACPI power management. | BIOS is out-of-date. | Upgrade Flash BIOS. | 429 |
Power management | System locks up or hardware malfunctions when power management is used. | Some older peripherals are not compatible with power management. | Disable APM power management in the system BIOS; disable ACPI power management with Windows' Power properties sheet. | 1202 |
Power supply | System reboots (cold boots with memory check) spontaneously. | Power Good voltage level out of limits. | Check power supply with DMM; replace power supply if defective. | 1206 |
Power supply | Dell power supply fails and replacement has different-colored wires for connectors. | Dell changed to a non-standard version of ATX for systems built September 19982000; standard power supplies will not work and will fry! | Buy a Dell-brand or Dell-compatible power supply, or replace motherboard and power supply with standard models. | 1182 |
Power supply | System won't start; power is going to system. | Voltage slider on power supply might be set to wrong voltage. | Set power supply to correct voltage level for local current. | 1190 |
Power supply | Power supply fails after additional components are added to system. | New components require more 5V power than old power supply can provide. | Replace failed unit with a 300-watt or larger unit. | 1196 |
Power supply | Hard disk or fan won't turn. | Defective or overloaded power supply. | Replace failed unit with a 300-watt or larger unit. | 1202 |
Power supply | Electrical shocks on case. | Defective or overloaded power supply. | Replace failed unit with a 300-watt or larger unit. | 1202 |
Power protection | Surge suppressor indicates ground fault. | Outlet lacks ground, or it might use a three-prong-to-two-prong adapter. | Use outlet tester to verify proper wiring in outlets used for computers. | 1323 |
Printer | Parallel printer prints very slowly. | Printer might be attached to non-IEEE or non-ECP parallel port. | Set port to use mode recommended for printer and switch to IEEE-1284 cable if necessary. | 1003 |
Printer | Your printer prints gibberish. | Hardware resource conflict if correct driver used. | Use Windows Device Manager to find conflicts and resolve them. | 393 |
Processor | Can't overclock multiplier. | Multiplier locked on recent AMD, Intel CPUs. | Adjust bus speed instead. | 462 |
Processor | Can't use FC-PGA processor in PGA-370 socket. | Change in voltages and pinout. | Upgrade motherboard or use third-party PGA/FC-PGA adapter. | 93 |
Processor | Can't use PGA or FC-PGA processor in Slot 1. | Wrong form factor. | Use slot-key adapter. | 93 |
Processor | Poor heat transfer from processor to heatsink. | Gaps between processor and heatsink faceplate. | Attach thermal interface pad or grease to processor before attaching heatsink. | 1271 |
Processor | Pentium miscalculates floating-point math. | Errata 23 in Pentium processor. | Have Intel replace affected processor, or use updated processor. | 130 |
Processor | Improper CPU identification during POST. | Old BIOS. | Update BIOS from manufacturer. | 213 |
Processor | Improper CPU identification during POST. | Board is not configured properly. | Check manual, and set board accordingly with proper bus and multiplier settings. | 213 |
Processor | Can't install newer processors. | BIOS is out-of-date. | Upgrade Flash BIOS. | 429 |
Processor | System won't start after new processor is installed. | Processor not properly installed. | Reseat or remove and reinstall processor and heatsink. | 213 |
Processor | System won't start after new processor is installed. | BIOS doesn't support new processor. | Update BIOS from system or motherboard manufacturer. | 213 |
Processor | System won't start after new processor is installed. | Motherboard can't use a new processor. | Verify motherboard support. | 213 |
Processor | System doesn't recognize Athlon 64 X2 as a dual-core processor. | A BIOS upgrade is necessary for dual-core support on some systems. | Update system BIOS with a BIOS version that's dual-core compatible. | 429 |
RAID | ATA or SATA drives cannot be configured as a RAID array. | RAID function in BIOS might be disabled. | Enable RAID function. | 451 |
RAM | RAM test not detecting any problems and is finishing too quickly. | L1 and L2 memory caches might be enabled. | Disable memory caches before testing memory. | 462 |
RAM | Soft (random) errors occur after adjusting memory timing in BIOS setup. | Refresh rate set incorrectly in BIOS. | Autoconfigure memory timing in BIOS. | 448 |
RAM | Can't determine exact location of bad memory. | Bad memory could be located in any module installed. | Isolate memory defect to find bad module and replace it. | 530 |
RAM | Can't insert 168-pin DIMM into the motherboard. | DIMM might be wrong voltage or type for motherboard. | PCs use unbuffered 3.3V DIMMs; others will not fit. | 501 |
RAM | RIMM-based system won't boot up with some RIMM sockets empty. | All RIMM sockets must have memory or continuity module installed. | Install continuity modules into a RIMM socket without memory. | 507 |
RAM | Can't determine speed or type of memory module. | Some memory modules aren't labeled. | Look up memory chip characteristics to determine module speed and type. | 509 |
RAM | Single 72-pin SIMM not recognized on P5-class system. | Memory must be added in banks of 64 bits on P5-class systems; 72-pin SIMM has 32 bits. | Add pair of identical SIMMs as supported by motherboard. | 512 |
RAM | System won't boot after installing new memory. | Memory might be too slow for system. | Install new memory as fast or faster than previous memory. | 513 |
RAM | System locks up; mixed metals (gold/tin) used in sockets and modules. | Corroded memory sockets result from mixing tin sockets/gold memory or vice versa. | Remove memory, clean sockets, and use memory with same metal as sockets. | 498 |
RAM | Soft (random) memory errors. | Power glitches or noise on the line. | Replace power supply if it tests out-of-spec, or install power conditioning equipment. | 514 |
RAM | Soft (random) memory errors. | Incorrect type or speed. | Use memory that matches recommended type and meets or exceeds recommended speed. | 514 |
RAM | Soft (random) memory errors. | RF (Radio Frequency) interference. | Move causes of RF away from system. | 514 |
RAM | Soft (random) memory errors. | ESD (electrostatic discharge). | Use antistatic spray on screen and keyboard and install antistatic mats near system. | 522 |
RAM | Memory parity interrupt error message. | Parity checking has detected an error in RAM. | Shut down the system and restart it; remove and reinstall memory. | 516 |
RAM | Out of memory error after upgrading system with AGP card beyond 512MB of RAM. | Windows 9x/Me can't handle memory addresses beyond 512MB along with AGP aperture addresses. | Use no more than 512MB of RAM with Windows 9x/Me and AGP video. | 899 |
Removable-media drive | Can't boot from SuperDisk LS-120 drive. | BIOS is out-of-date. | Upgrade Flash BIOS. | 429 |
Removable-media drive | Can't boot from LS-120 SuperDisk or Zip drive. | ARMD-FDD (ATAPI Removable DeviceFloppy), Zip, or LS-120 drive listed after hard drive in boot order. | Adjust boot priority in system BIOS. | 460 |
Removable-media drive | Zip 750 reads and writes to Zip 250 media very slowly. | Drive must adjust read/write speed to use older media. | Use Zip 750 media for full-speed performance. | 691 |
Removable-media drive | Zip 250 reads and writes to Zip 100 media very slowly. | Drive must adjust read/write speed to use older media. | Use Zip 250 media for full-speed performance. | 691 |
Serial ATA drive | System has no Serial ATA ports. | Most systems need a Serial ATA card to enable Serial ATA support. | Install a Serial ATA card into a PCI slot. | 825 |
Serial ATA | Drives are not recognized by system. | Some systems have disabled Serial ATA ports. | Enable onboard Serial ATA ports. | 451 |
Serial port | Can't use onboard serial port. | Port might be disabled in BIOS. | Enable port. | 451 |
Serial port | Conflict between onboard serial port and other device. | IRQ or I/O port address conflicts with other device. | Adjust IRQ or I/O port address in use, or disable port. | 451 |
Serial port | COM3 and above work in Windows, but not DOS. | DOS can use only COM1 and COM2 due to BIOS limitations. | Use only COM1 or COM2 for DOS applications. | 999 |
Startup | System won't start; no error messages onscreen. | Various fatal errors. | Install POST card; restart system to determine error codes and diagnose problem. | 466 |
Startup | System won't start; various error messages indicating system can't boot. | Hard disk might not be connected to system, partitioned, formatted, or set up correctly in BIOS. | Check drive cabling, drive partitions, and BIOS configuration. | 467 |
Startup | Problems during POST. | Various causes. | Use checklist. | 1347 |
Startup | System beeps several times several times on; doesn't start properly. | Serious or fatal hardware errors. | Count beeps and pattern; determine BIOS used and look up beep code to determine problem. | 1293 |
Startup | System displays error message when turned on; doesn't start properly. | Serious hardware error. | Look up error code in Technical Reference on CD. | 1293 |
Startup | System doesn't start properly; might not beep or display error codes. | Serious or fatal hardware errors. | Install POST diagnostics card and restart system; look up I/O port POST checkpoint code. | 1293 |
Startup | Newly-assembled system won't start. | Various problems. | See checklist. | 1257 |
Startup | System can't boot from hard drive. | Configuration problem with system or drive. | See checklist. | 1305 |
Startup | Missing Operating System error. | Incorrect drive geometry settings, bad CMOS battery, no active partition, bad MBR. | See checklist. | 1354 |
Startup | NO ROM BASIC - SYSTEM HALTED error. | Incorrect drive geometry settings, bad CMOS battery, no active partition, bad MBR. | See checklist. | 468 |
Startup | No boot device available strike F1 to retry boot, F2 for setup utility error. | Incorrect drive geometry settings, bad CMOS battery, no active partition, bad MBR. | See checklist. | 468 |
Startup | Invalid drive specification error. | No partition on disk. | Use FDISK, Disk Management, or equivalent to partition drive. | 843 |
Startup | Invalid Media Type error. | No valid format on drive. | Use FORMAT or Norton Disk Doctor. | 843 |
System | Problems with adapter cards. | Various causes. | See checklist. | 1348 |
System | System unstable when overclocking. | Incorrect voltage to processor. | Use motherboard that allows fine adjustments to processor voltage. | 56 |
System | System is dead, no beeps, no cursor, no fan. | Power cord failure. | Plug in or replace power cord. | 213 |
System | System is dead, no beeps, no cursor, no fan. | Power supply failure. | Replace power supply with known-good one. | 213 |
System | System is dead, no beeps, no cursor, no fan. | Motherboard failure. | Replace motherboard with known-good one. | 213 |
System | System is dead, no beeps, no cursor, no fan. | Memory failure. | Remove all memory except bank 1 and retest; swap bank 1 if no boot. | 213 |
System | System is dead, no beeps, or locks up before POST begins. | All components either not installed or incorrectly installed. | Check all peripherals, especially memory and graphics adapter. Reseat all boards and socketed components. | 213 |
System | System beeps on startup, fan is running, no cursor onscreen. Locks up during or shortly after POST. | Improperly seated or failing graphics adapter. | Reseat or replace graphics adapter. Use known-good spare for testing. | 213 |
System | System beeps on startup, fan is running, no cursor onscreen. Locks up during or shortly after POST. | Poor heat dissipation. | Check CPU heatsink/fan; replace if necessary; use one with higher capacity. | 213 |
System | System beeps on startup, fan is running, no cursor onscreen. Locks up during or shortly after POST. | Improper voltage settings. | Set motherboard for proper core processor voltage. | 213 |
System | System powers up, fan is running, but no beep or cursor. | Processor not properly installed. | Reseat or remove and reinstall processor and heatsink. | 213 |
System | System beeps on startup, fan is running, no cursor onscreen. Locks up during Locks up during after POST. | Wrong motherboard bus speed. | Set motherboard for proper speed. | 213 |
System | System beeps on startup, fan is running, no cursor onscreen. Locks up during or shortly after POST. | Wrong CPU clock multiplier. | Set motherboard for proper clock multiplier. | 213 |
System | Device transfers data inaccurately. | Hardware resource conflict. | Use Windows Device Manager to find conflicts and resolve them. | 393 |
System | System frequently locks up. | Hardware resource conflict. | Use Windows Device Manager to find conflicts and resolve them. | 393 |
System | System locks up after running for a time. | Overheating. | Check case and processor fans. | 1327 |
System | System locks up when office equipment such as copiers or microwave ovens nearby are operated. | Corrupted power. | Plug computer into a separate circuit from such devices. | 1341 |
System | POST reports system errors. | Various problems. | See checklist. | 1347 |
System | Some software doesn't run correctly. | Various problems. | See checklist. | 1348 |
System | Hardware and software bugs. | BIOS is out-of-date. | Upgrade Flash BIOS. | 429 |
System | Memory address conflict between devices. | Two devices are using the same upper memory block. | Move one device to a nonconflicting UMB address. | 545 |
System | Intermittent lockups, memory and drive glitches. | Improperly wired outlets might be providing bad power. | Use an outlet tester to check ground and polarity. | 1323 |
System | Intermittent lockups, memory and drive glitches. | Other devices on circuit could be causing problems, such as AC units, coffee makers, and so on. | Move computers to their own circuit. | 1341 |
System | Problems after system startup with hardware. | Various causes. | Use checklist. | 1347 |
Tape drives | Can't run tape backup or restore; bad block errors during restore. | Defective tape cartridge, dirty heads, defective cabling, or incorrect software settings. | Replace cartridge, clean heads, check cabling, and rerun confidence test with blank cartridge. | 719 |
USB | Can't use USB ports on system. | USB ports might be disabled, or your system has the wrong Windows version. | Enable USB ports in BIOS, and verify you are using Windows 98, Me, 2000, or XP. | 986 |
USB | USB ports available in BIOS but not visible on system. | USB header cables not installed on motherboard. | Install USB header cables. | 986 |
USB | USB game controller doesn't work with some older games. | USB game controller might not perfectly emulate gameport-based controllers. | Check with software vendor for patches or workarounds. | 1048 |
USB | Can't use USB keyboard and mouse outside of Windows. | USB Legacy support is disabled in BIOS. | Enable USB Legacy support. | 456 |
USB | Can't use USB devices. | USB is disabled or not assigned an IRQ. | Enable USB; assign IRQ to USB. | 456 |
USB | Bus-powered peripherals aren't recognized unless they are removed and reattached. | Power supply might be failing. | Test power supply and replace if voltage levels don't meet specifications. | 1202 |
USB | USB 2.0 ports aren't supporting USB 2.0 devices at top speed. | USB 2.0 ports might not be configured correctly. | Enable USB 2.0 support in system BIOS and install correct drivers. | 987 |
USB | USB keychain drive is not recognized by Windows 98 but is recognized by later versions. | Windows 98 does not have built-in support for USB keychain drives. | Install the correct driver on the Windows 98 system. | 697 |
USB | USB peripherals work when plugged into the computer but not when plugged into a hub. | External hubs that are bus-powered might not provide enough power for some devices. | Use the Power dialog box on the USB hub properties sheet in Device Manager to see the power requirements for a device and the power available. | 981 |
Video | Onscreen icons too small at high resolutions. | High resolutions use more dots onscreen, so each dot takes less screen area and fixed-size icons are smaller. | If you use Windows 98, 2000, or XP, enable Large Icons. | 868 |
Video | Garbage appears on your video screen. | Video, DirectX, or mouse driver problems. | Adjust Hardware Acceleration slider. | 901 |
Video | Can't use AGP card as primary video. | PCI video is set as primary video. | Switch primary video to AGP card. | 445 |
Video | Color depth drops below desired setting when resolution is increased. | Video card doesn't have enough RAM to display the resolution at the same color depth. | Upgrade to a video card with more RAM, or decide whether high resolution or higher color depth is more important. | 895 |
Video | CRT display is steady at lower resolutions but flickers at higher resolutions. | Higher refresh rates are needed at higher resolutions to avoid flicker. | Adjust display adapter properties to higher refresh rate if supported by monitor. | 876 |
Video | Monitor picture is distorted. | Incorrect geometry adjustments; can vary with resolution. | Use digital picture controls to lock in desired picture quality. | 879 |
Video | Windows can't display more than 256 colors. | Windows might have incorrectly identified the video card chipset. | Manually select the correct chipset with the Advanced option on the Display properties' Adapter section. | 895 |
Video | Mouse pointer problems are visible onscreen. | Buggy video or mouse driver. | Upgrade video and mouse driver software; adjust acceleration one notch down. | 901 |
Video | Frequent screen lockups or invalid page fault errors. | Buggy video driver. | Upgrade video driver or adjust acceleration to None. | 901 |
Video | System chooses wrong adapter as primary in a multiple-monitor configuration. | BIOS controls which PCI slot (or AGP) is for primary video. | Adjust BIOS options for primary video, or change slots if both adapters are PCI. | 904 |
Video | Secondary monitor not available on Display Properties Settings tab. | Various causes. | See checklist. | 937 |
Video | Display works in Safe or VGA mode with Windows XP, but is corrupted in other modes. | A Display, DirectX, or mouse driver might be defective. | Update all drivers. | 901 |
Video | 3D acceleration isn't working, but normal business applications work okay. | DirectX drivers might be defective. | Update DirectX. | 901 |
Video | Problems with video capture devices. | Various causes. | See checklist. | 934 |
Video | Monitor picture too dull, bright, dark, or out of focus. | Monitor controls need to be adjusted. | Adjust front, side, or rear controls as needed; focus controls might require a long screwdriver. | 934 |
Video | No picture. | Monitor might be in power-saving mode (flashing or yellow LED), have incorrect contrast or brightness settings (green LED), be receiving no picture data; or be disconnected from power. | Activate system; adjust contrast and brightness; check data and power cables. | 936 |
Video | Jittery picture quality (LCD). | Display not correctly adjusted, or cables might be loose. | Use display-adjustment software to correct problem; check cables. | 936 |
Video | Jittery picture quality (CRT). | Might be caused by incorrect refresh rate settings, loose cable, interference, or bad power supply. | Reduce vertical refresh rate; check cables; eliminate sources of interference; tap on monitor (temporary fix only). | 936 |
Video | Picture displayed in DOS, not Windows. | Wrong video driver or overclocked video card. | Start system in Safe mode, verify correct video driver, or use default setup for video card clock speed. | 937 |
Video | Can't replace built-in video card with add-on video card. | Card might be in wrong slot or not compatible with system, or system might require manual disabling or onboard video. | Check manual for correct procedure for disabling built-in video, or try a different slot. | 937 |
Video | NVIDIA SLI mode isn't working. | Various causes: MIO bridge not installed; SLI driver disabled; incorrect combination of video cards. | See checklist. | 937 |
Video | ATI CrossFire mode isn't working. | Various causes: DMS-to-DVI cable not connected; incorrect combination of video cards; mode disabled. | See checklist. | 937 |
Windows | Virus warning triggered when trying to upgrade Windows. | Virus warning feature enabled in system BIOS. | Disable virus warning or boot sector write-protect feature. | 462 |
Windows | Operating system will not boot. | Poor heat dissipation. | Check CPU fan; replace if necessary; might need higher-capacity heatsink. | 213 |
Windows | Operating system will not boot. | Improper voltage settings. | Set motherboard for proper core processor voltage. | 213 |
Windows | Operating system will not boot. | Wrong motherboard bus speed. | Set motherboard for proper speed. | 213 |
Windows | Operating system will not boot. | Wrong CPU clock multiplier. | Jumper motherboard for proper clock multiplier. | 213 |
Windows | Operating system will not boot. | Applications will not install or run. | Improper drivers or incompatible hardware; update drivers and check for compatibility issues. | 213 |
Windows | The PC starts in Safe mode (Windows 9x, Windows Me). | Hardware resource conflict. | Use Windows Device Manager to find conflicts and resolve them. | 393 |
Windows | Problems with operating system or applications. | Various causes. | See checklist. | 1348 |
Wireless input | IR-based wireless mouse or keyboard isn't working. | Direct line-of-sight access to IR receiver might be blocked; batteries might have failed. | Check line-of-sight and move obstacles away from receiver; check and replace batteries as needed. | 1052 |
Wireless input | RF-based wireless mouse or keyboard isn't working. | Batteries might have failed, or interference from other devices might be present. | Check and replace batteries if needed; use different frequencies for nearby RF-based devices. | 1052 |
Wireless network | Wi-Fi 5GHz band device can't connect to other Wi-Fi devices. | Wi-Fi 5GHz is the same as IEEE 802.11a, which is not compatible with other Wi-Fi standards. | Use dual-band devices to connect to all Wi-Fi networks. | 1105 |
Wireless network | Can't connect to network at long distances. | Wireless signals degrade with distance and obstacles. | Add a more powerful antenna to the router or access point. | 1106 |
Wireless network | Can't connect to network at long distances. | Wireless signals degrade with distance and obstacles. | Add a repeater or signal booster to your wireless network. | 1106 |
Wireless network | Some stations can't connect to network. | All stations and router must be set up with same SSID and encryption. | Check SSID, encryption type, and encryption key on router and clients. | 1127 |