Computer Personal Computer User's Manual

If you see a blinking question mark, or nothing at all, see the next section,

“Problems Starting Up?” (Note: Most computer screens have a slight black

border around them.)

Problems starting up?

If the screen is dark, check these items to see if you can identify

the problem:

m Is the computer turned on? The power-on light on the front of the

computer should be on. Make sure the side of the power switch

marked with the symbol i (on the back of the computer) is pressed in.

m Is the power cord connected to the computer, and is the cord plugged

into a power source?

m If the computer is plugged into a power strip, is the power strip

turned on and plugged in?

m Are the keyboard and mouse cables connected correctly? (Don’t

disconnect the keyboard or mouse cable while the computer is on.

You could damage your equipment.)

m Are the screen control buttons on the front of the computer (marked

with the ¸ icon) adjusted correctly?

m If you have an external hard disk attached to your computer, is that

hard disk turned on? Was it turned on before you turned on the

computer? If you’re not sure, turn everything off. Then turn on the

external hard disk before you turn on your computer.

If you see a blinking question mark on the screen, turn to “Solutions to

Common Problems” in Chapter 6.

Getting Started