Troubleshooting Guide Business PCs
© Copyright 2007 Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. The information contained herein is subject to change without notice. Microsoft, Windows, and Windows Vista are either trademarks or registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. The only warranties for HP products and services are set forth in the express warranty statements accompanying such products and services. Nothing herein should be construed as constituting an additional warranty.
About This Book WARNING! Text set off in this manner indicates that failure to follow directions could result in bodily harm or loss of life. CAUTION: Text set off in this manner indicates that failure to follow directions could result in damage to equipment or loss of information. NOTE: Text set off in this manner provides important supplemental information.
iv About This Book ENWW
Table of contents 1 Computer Diagnostic Features HP Insight Diagnostics ......................................................................................................................... 1 Accessing HP Insight Diagnostics ....................................................................................... 1 Survey Tab .......................................................................................................................... 2 Test Tab ...............................................
Resetting the Password Jumper ........................................................................................................ 59 Clearing and Resetting the CMOS ..................................................................................................... 60 Appendix C Drive Protection System (DPS) Accessing DPS Through Computer Setup ......................................................................................... 63 Index ............................................................
1 Computer Diagnostic Features HP Insight Diagnostics NOTE: HP Insight Diagnostics is included on CD with some computer models only. The HP Insight Diagnostics utility allows you to view information about the hardware configuration of the computer and perform hardware diagnostic tests on the subsystems of the computer. The utility simplifies the process of effectively identifying, diagnosing, and isolating hardware issues. The Survey tab is displayed when you invoke HP Insight Diagnostics.
NOTE: If the system does not boot to the CD in the optical drive, you may need to change the boot order in the Computer Setup (F10) utility so that the system attempts to boot to the optical drive before booting to the hard drive. Refer to the Computer Setup (F10) Utility Guide for more information. 8. Select the appropriate language and click Continue. NOTE: It is recommended that you accept the assigned default keyboard for your language unless you want to test your specific keyboard. 9.
Test Tab The Test tab allows you to choose various parts of the system to test. You can also choose the type of test and testing mode. There are three types of tests to choose from: ● Quick Test—Provides a predetermined script where a sample of each hardware component is exercised and requires no user intervention in either Unattended or Interactive mode. ● Complete Test—Provides a predetermined script where each hardware component is fully tested.
The Status tab also shows: ● The devices being tested ● The test status (running, passed, or failed) of each device being tested ● The overall test progress of all devices being tested ● The test progress for each device being tested ● The elapsed test times for each device being tested Log Tab The Log tab contains a Test Log tab and an Error Log tab.
automatically create an html file that has the same appearance as the information displayed on the screen. 1. Insert a diskette or USB 2.0 HP Drive Key (capacity must be 64MB or higher). USB 1.0 Drive Keys are not supported. 2. Click Save in the bottom right corner of the screen. 3. Select Save to the floppy or Save to USB key. 4. Enter a file name in the File Name box and click the Save button. An html file will be saved to the inserted diskette or USB HP Drive Key.
HP Backup and Recovery Manager The HP Backup and Recovery Manager is an easy-to-use, versatile application that allows you to back up and recover the primary hard drive on the PC. The application works within Windows to create backups of Windows, all applications, and all data files. Backups can be scheduled to occur automatically at designated intervals, or they can be initiated manually. Important files can be archived separately from regular backups.
2 Troubleshooting Without Diagnostics This chapter provides information on how to identify and correct minor problems, such as diskette drive, hard drive, optical drive, graphics, audio, memory, and software problems. If you encounter problems with the computer, refer to the tables in this chapter for probable causes and recommended solutions.
● Refer to the comprehensive online technical support at http://www.hp.com/support. ● Refer to the following Helpful Hints on page 8 section in this guide. To assist you in resolving problems online, HP Instant Support Professional Edition provides you with self-solve diagnostics. If you need to contact HP support, use HP Instant Support Professional Edition's online chat feature. Access HP Instant Support Professional Edition at: http://www.hp.com/go/ispe.
restart if automatic start on power loss is set in Computer Setup. If it does not restart, press the power button to start the computer. ● Reconfigure the computer after installing a non–plug and play expansion board or other option. See Solving Hardware Installation Problems on page 32 for instructions. ● Be sure that all the needed device drivers have been installed. For example, if you are using a printer, you need a driver for that model printer.
Solving General Problems You may be able to easily resolve the general problems described in this section. If a problem persists and you are unable to resolve it yourself or if you feel uncomfortable about performing the operation, contact an authorized dealer or reseller. WARNING! When the computer is plugged into an AC power source, voltage is always applied to the system board.
Table 2-1 Solving General Problems (continued) There is no sound or sound volume is too low. Cause Solution System volume may be set low or muted. 1. Check the F10 BIOS settings to make sure the internal system speaker is not muted (this setting does not affect the external speakers). 2. Make sure the external speakers are properly connected and powered on and that the speakers' volume control is set correctly. 3.
Table 2-1 Solving General Problems (continued) Poor performance is experienced. Cause Solution Some software applications, especially games, are stressful on the graphics subsystem 1. Lower the display resolution for the current application or consult the documentation that came with the application for suggestions on how to improve performance by adjusting parameters in the application. 2. Add more memory. 3. Upgrade the graphics solution. Cause unknown. Restart the computer.
Table 2-1 Solving General Problems (continued) System does not power on and the LEDs on the front of the computer are not flashing. Cause ENWW Solution 5. If the 5V_aux light on the system board is off, then replace the power supply. 6. Replace the system board.
Solving Power Problems Common causes and solutions for power problems are listed in the following table. Table 2-2 Solving Power Problems Power supply shuts down intermittently. Cause Solution Voltage selector switch on rear of computer chassis (some models) not switched to correct line voltage (115V or 230V). Select the proper AC voltage using the selector switch. Power supply will not turn on because of internal power supply fault. Contact an authorized service provider to replace the power supply.
Solving Diskette Problems Common causes and solutions for diskette problems are listed in the following table. NOTE: You may need to reconfigure the computer when you add or remove hardware, such as an additional diskette drive. See Solving Hardware Installation Problems on page 32 for instructions. Table 2-3 Solving Diskette Problems Diskette drive light stays on. Cause Solution Diskette is damaged. In Microsoft Windows XP, right-click Start, click Explore, and select a drive.
Table 2-3 Solving Diskette Problems (continued) Cannot format diskette. Cause Solution Invalid media reported. When formatting a disk in MS-DOS, you may need to specify diskette capacity. For example, to format a 1.44-MB diskette, type the following command at the MS-DOS prompt: FORMAT A: /F:1440 Disk may be write-protected. Open the locking device on the diskette. Legacy diskette writes are disabled in Computer Setup.
Table 2-3 Solving Diskette Problems (continued) Cannot Boot to Diskette. Cause Solution NOTE: Both steps should be used as the Removable Media Boot function in Computer Setup overrides the Boot Order enable command. ENWW Network server mode is enabled in Computer Setup. Run Computer Setup and disable Network Server Mode in Security > Password Options. Removable media boot has been disabled in Computer Setup.
Solving Hard Drive Problems Table 2-4 Solving Hard Drive Problems Hard drive error occurs. Cause Solution Hard disk has bad sectors or has failed. 1. In Microsoft Windows XP, right-click Start, click Explore, and select a drive. Select File > Properties > Tools. Under Error-checking, click Check Now. In Microsoft Windows Vista, right-click Start, click Explore, and right-click on a drive. Select Properties then select the Tools tab. Under Errorchecking click Check Now. 2.
Table 2-4 Solving Hard Drive Problems (continued) Nonsystem disk/NTLDR missing message. Cause Solution The system is trying to start from the hard drive but the hard drive may have been damaged. 1. Insert a bootable diskette into the diskette drive and restart the computer. 2. Check the hard drive format using fdisk: If NTFS formatting, use a third party reader to evaluate the drive. If FAT32 formatting, the hard drive cannot be accessed. 1.
Table 2-4 Solving Hard Drive Problems (continued) The removable hard drive has no power to the hard drive enclosure. Cause Solution The lock on the enclosure is not turned to the “ON” position. Insert the key and turn the lock clockwise 90 degrees. The green LED on the front of the enclosure should be on. Power cable from the computer power supply to the enclosure frame is not properly connected. Check the power supply to make sure it is properly connected to the rear of the enclosure frame.
Solving Media Card Reader Problems Table 2-5 Solving Media Card Reader Problems Media card will not work in a digital camera after formatting it in Microsoft Windows XP or Microsoft Windows Vista. Cause Solution By default, Windows XP and Windows Vista will format any media card with a capacity greater than 32MB with the FAT32 format. Most digital cameras use the FAT (FAT16 & FAT12) format and can not operate with a FAT32 formatted card.
Table 2-5 Solving Media Card Reader Problems (continued) After inserting a media card in the reader, the computer attempts to boot from the media card. 22 Cause Solution The inserted media card has boot capability. If you do not want to boot from the media card, remove it during boot or do not select the option to boot from the inserted media card during the boot process.
Solving Display Problems If you encounter display problems, see the documentation that came with the monitor and to the common causes and solutions listed in the following table. Table 2-6 Solving Display Problems Blank screen (no video). Cause Solution Monitor is not turned on and the monitor light is not on. Turn on the monitor and check that the monitor light is on. Bad monitor. Try a different monitor. The cable connections are not correct.
Table 2-6 Solving Display Problems (continued) Blank screen and the power LED flashes Red five times, once every second, followed by a two second pause, and the computer beeps five times. (Beeps stop after fifth iteration but LEDs continue flashing.) Cause Solution 3. Replace third-party memory with HP memory. 4. Replace the system board. Blank screen and the power LED flashes Red six times, once every second, followed by a two second pause, and the computer beeps six times.
Table 2-6 Solving Display Problems (continued) The picture is broken up, rolls, jitters, or flashes. Cause Solution The monitor connections may be incomplete or the monitor may be incorrectly adjusted. 1. Be sure the monitor cable is securely connected to the computer. 2. In a two-monitor system or if another monitor is in close proximity, be sure the monitors are not interfering with each other’s electromagnetic field by moving them apart. 3.
Table 2-6 Solving Display Problems (continued) High pitched noise coming from inside a flat panel monitor. Cause Solution Brightness and/or contrast settings are too high. Lower brightness and/or contrast settings. Fuzzy focus; streaking, ghosting, or shadowing effects; horizontal scrolling lines; faint vertical bars; or unable to center the picture on the screen (flat panel monitors using an analog VGA input connection only).
Solving Audio Problems If the computer has audio features and you encounter audio problems, see the common causes and solutions listed in the following table. Table 2-7 Solving Audio Problems Sound cuts in and out. Cause Solution Processor resources are being used by other open applications. Shut down all open processor-intensive applications. Direct sound latency, common in many media player applications. In Windows XP only: 1. From the Control Panel, select Sounds and Audio Devices. 2.
Table 2-7 Solving Audio Problems (continued) Sound does not come out of the speaker or headphones. Cause Solution Computer is in standby mode. Press the power button to resume from standby mode. CAUTION: When attempting to resume from standby mode, do not hold down the power button for more than four seconds. Otherwise, the computer will shut down and you will lose any unsaved data. Internal speaker is disabled in Computer Setup. Enable the internal speaker in Computer Setup.
Solving Printer Problems If you encounter printer problems, see the documentation that came with the printer and to the common causes and solutions listed in the following table. Table 2-8 Solving Printer Problems Printer will not print. Cause Solution Printer is not turned on and online. Turn the printer on and make sure it is online. The correct printer drivers for the application are not installed. 1. Install the correct printer driver for the application. 2.
Solving Keyboard and Mouse Problems If you encounter keyboard or mouse problems, see the documentation that came with the equipment and to the common causes and solutions listed in the following table. Table 2-9 Solving Keyboard Problems Keyboard commands and typing are not recognized by the computer. Cause Solution Keyboard connector is not properly connected. 1. On the Windows XP Desktop, click Start > Shut Down.
Table 2-10 Solving Mouse Problems (continued) Mouse does not respond to movement or is too slow. Cause Solution Mouse may need cleaning. Remove the roller ball cover on the mouse and clean the internal components. Mouse may need repair. See the Worldwide Limited Warranty for terms and conditions. Wireless device error. 1. Check the software, if available, for device status. 2. Check/replace device batteries. 3. Reset receiver and mouse. Computer is in standby mode.
Solving Hardware Installation Problems You may need to reconfigure the computer when you add or remove hardware, such as an additional drive or expansion card. If you install a plug and play device, Windows automatically recognizes the device and configures the computer. If you install a non–plug and play device, you must reconfigure the computer after completing installation of the new hardware. In Windows, use the Add Hardware Wizard and follow the instructions that appear on the screen.
Table 2-11 Solving Hardware Installation Problems (continued) Power LED flashes Red five times, once every second, followed by a two second pause, and the computer beeps five times. (Beeps stop after fifth iteration but LEDs continue flashing.) Cause Solution Memory is installed incorrectly or is bad. CAUTION: To avoid damage to the DIMMs or the system board, you must unplug the computer power cord before attempting to reseat, install, or remove a DIMM module. 1. Reseat DIMMs. Power on the system. 2.
Solving Network Problems Some common causes and solutions for network problems are listed in the following table. These guidelines do not discuss the process of debugging the network cabling. Table 2-12 Solving Network Problems Wake-on-LAN feature is not functioning. Cause Solution Wake-on-LAN is not enabled. To enable Wake-on-LAN in Windows XP: 1. Select Start > Control Panel. 2. Double-click Network Connections. 3. Double-click Local Area Connection. 4. Click Properties. 5. Click Configure.
Table 2-12 Solving Network Problems (continued) Network status link light never flashes. NOTE: The network status light is supposed to flash when there is network activity. Cause Solution Network controller is not set up properly. Check for the device status within Windows, such as Device Manager for driver load and the Network Connections applet within Windows for link status. Network controller is disabled. 1. Run Computer Setup and enable network controller. 2.
Table 2-12 Solving Network Problems (continued) Network controller stops working without apparent cause. Cause Solution The files containing the network drivers are corrupted. Reinstall the network drivers, using the Recovery Disc Set created from the hard drive's Recovery Partition. The cable is not securely connected. Ensure that the cable is securely attached to the network connector and that the other end of the cable is securely attached to the correct device. The network controller is defective.
Solving Memory Problems If you encounter memory problems, some common causes and solutions are listed in the following table. CAUTION: Power may still be supplied to the DIMMs when the computer is turned off (depending on the Management Engine (ME) settings). To avoid damage to the DIMMs or the system board, you must unplug the computer power cord before attempting to reseat, install, or remove a DIMM module. For those systems that support ECC memory, HP does not support mixing ECC and non-ECC memory.
Table 2-13 Solving Memory Problems (continued) Power LED flashes Red five times, once every second, followed by a two second pause, and the computer beeps five times. (Beeps stop after fifth iteration but LEDs continue flashing.) 38 Cause Solution Memory is installed incorrectly or is bad. 1. Reseat DIMMs. Power on the system. 2. Replace DIMMs one at a time to isolate the faulty module. 3. Replace third-party memory with HP memory. 4. Replace the system board.
Solving Processor Problems If you encounter processor problems, common causes and solutions are listed in the following table. Table 2-14 Solving Processor Problems Poor performance is experienced. Cause Solution Processor is hot. 1. Make sure the airflow to the computer is not blocked. 2. Make sure the fans are connected and working properly (some fans only operate when needed). 3. Make sure the processor heatsink is installed properly.
Solving CD-ROM and DVD Problems If you encounter CD-ROM or DVD problems, see the common causes and solutions listed in the following table or to the documentation that came with the optional device. Table 2-15 Solving CD-ROM and DVD Problems System will not boot from CD-ROM or DVD drive. Cause Solution The device is attached to a SATA port that has been hidden in the Computer Setup utility.
Table 2-15 Solving CD-ROM and DVD Problems (continued) Movie will not play in the DVD drive. Cause Solution Damaged media. Replace media. Movie rating locked out by parental lock. Use DVD software to remove parental lock. Media installed upside down. Reinstall media. Cannot eject compact disc (tray-load unit). Cause Solution Disc not properly seated in the drive. Turn off the computer and insert a thin metal rod into the emergency eject hole and push firmly.
Solving Drive Key Problems If you encounter Drive Key problems, common causes and solutions are listed in the following table. Table 2-16 Solving Drive Key Problems USB Drive Key is not seen as a drive letter in Windows. Cause Solution The drive letter after the last physical drive is not available. Change the default drive letter for the Drive Key in Windows. USB Drive Key not found (identified). Cause Solution The device is attached to a USB port that has been hidden in Computer Setup.
Solving Front Panel Component Problems If you encounter problems with devices connected to the front panel, refer to the common causes and solutions listed in the following table. Table 2-17 Solving Front Panel Component Problems A USB device, headphone, or microphone is not recognized by the computer. Cause Solution Device is not properly connected. 1. Turn off the computer. 2. Reconnect the device to the front of the computer and restart the computer. The device does not have power.
Solving Internet Access Problems If you encounter Internet access problems, consult your Internet Service Provider (ISP) or refer to the common causes and solutions listed in the following table. Table 2-18 Solving Internet Access Problems Unable to connect to the Internet. Cause Solution Internet Service Provider (ISP) account is not set up properly. Verify Internet settings or contact your ISP for assistance. Modem is not set up properly. Reconnect the modem.
Table 2-18 Solving Internet Access Problems (continued) Internet takes too long to download Web sites. Cause Solution Windows XP 1. Select Start > Control Panel. 2. Double-click System. 3. Click the Hardware tab. 4. In the Device Manager area, click the Device Manager button. 5. Double-click Modems. 6. Double-click Agere Systems PCI-SV92PP Soft Modem. 7. On the General tab, click Diagnostics. 8. Click Query Modem. A “Success” response indicates the modem is connected and working properly.
Solving Software Problems Most software problems occur as a result of the following: ● The application was not installed or configured correctly. ● There is insufficient memory available to run the application. ● There is a conflict between applications. ● Be sure that all the needed device drivers have been installed. ● If you have installed an operating system other than the factory-installed operating system, check to be sure it is supported on the system.
Contacting Customer Support For help and service, contact an authorized reseller or dealer. To locate a reseller or dealer near you, visit http://www.hp.com. NOTE: If you take the computer to an authorized reseller, dealer, or service provider for service, remember to provide the setup and power-on passwords if they are set. Refer to the number listed in the warranty or in the Support Telephone Numbers guide for technical assistance.
A POST Error Messages This appendix lists the error codes, error messages, and the various indicator light and audible sequences that you may encounter during Power-On Self-Test (POST) or computer restart, the probable source of the problem, and steps you can take to resolve the error condition. POST Message Disabled suppresses most system messages during POST, such as memory count and non-error text messages. If a POST error occurs, the screen will display the error message.
POST Numeric Codes and Text Messages This section covers those POST errors that have numeric codes associated with them. The section also includes some text messages that may be encountered during POST. NOTE: The computer will beep once after a POST text message is displayed on the screen. Table A-1 Numeric Codes and Text Messages Control panel message Description Recommended action 101-Option ROM Checksum Error System ROM or expansion board option ROM checksum. 1. Verify the correct ROM. 2.
Table A-1 Numeric Codes and Text Messages (continued) Control panel message Description Recommended action contact an authorized dealer or reseller for RTC battery replacement. 163-Time & Date Not Set CMOS jumper may not be properly installed. Check for proper placement of the CMOS jumper if applicable. 164-MemorySize Error Memory amount has changed since the last boot (memory added or removed). Press the F1 key to save the memory changes. 164-MemorySize Error Memory configuration incorrect. 1.
Table A-1 Numeric Codes and Text Messages (continued) Control panel message Description Recommended action 304-Keyboard or System Unit Error Keyboard failure. 1. Reconnect the keyboard with computer turned off. 2. Ensure that none of the keys are depressed. 3. Replace the keyboard. 4. Replace the system board. 1. Remove any parallel port expansion cards. 2. Clear CMOS. (See Appendix B, Password Security and Resetting CMOS on page 58.) 3.
Table A-1 Numeric Codes and Text Messages (continued) Control panel message Description Recommended action 605-Diskette Drive Type Error Mismatch in drive type. 1. Run Computer Setup. 2. Disconnect any other diskette controller devices (tape drives). 3. Clear CMOS. (See Appendix B, Password Security and Resetting CMOS on page 58.) 610-External Storage Device Failure External tape drive not connected. Reinstall tape drive or press F1 and allow system to reconfigure without the drive.
Table A-1 Numeric Codes and Text Messages (continued) Control panel message Description Recommended action 1720-SMART Hard Drive Detects Imminent Failure Hard drive is about to fail. (Some hard drives have a hard drive firmware patch that will fix an erroneous error message.) 1. Determine if hard drive is giving correct error message. Enter Computer Setup and run the Drive Protection System test under Storage > DPS Self-test. 2. Apply hard drive firmware patch if applicable.
Table A-1 Numeric Codes and Text Messages (continued) Control panel message 2203-Setup error during MEBx execution 2204-Inventory error during MEBx execution 2205-Interface error during MEBx execution Description MEBx selection or exit resulted in a setup failure. BIOS information passed to the MEBx resulted in a failure. MEBx operation experienced a hardware error during communication with ME. Recommended action 3.
Interpreting POST Diagnostic Front Panel LEDs and Audible Codes This section covers the front panel LED codes as well as the audible codes that may occur before or during POST that do not necessarily have an error code or text message associated with them. WARNING! When the computer is plugged into an AC power source, voltage is always applied to the system board.
Table A-2 Diagnostic Front Panel LEDs and Audible Codes (continued) Activity Beeps Possible Cause Recommended Action 3. Replace the power supply. 4. Replace the system board. OR The USDT power supply adapter must be at 135W and use the Smart ID technology before the system will power up. Replace the power supply adapter with the HP-supplied USDT power supply adapter. Red Power LED flashes five times, once every second, followed by a two second pause.
Table A-2 Diagnostic Front Panel LEDs and Audible Codes (continued) Activity Beeps Possible Cause Recommended Action Red Power LED flashes ten times, once every second, followed by a two second pause. Beeps stop after fifth iteration but LEDs continue until problem is solved. 10 Bad option card. 1. Check each option card by removing the card (one at a time if multiple cards), then power on the system to see if fault goes away. 2.
B Password Security and Resetting CMOS This computer supports security password features, which can be established through the Computer Setup Utilities menu. This computer supports two security password features that are established through the Computer Setup Utilities menu: setup password and power-on password. When you establish only a setup password, any user can access all the information on the computer except Computer Setup.
Resetting the Password Jumper To disable the power-on or setup password features, or to clear the power-on or setup passwords, complete the following steps: 1. Shut down the operating system properly, then turn off the computer and any external devices, and disconnect the power cord from the power outlet. 2. With the power cord disconnected, press the power button again to drain the system of any residual power.
Clearing and Resetting the CMOS The computer’s configuration memory (CMOS) stores information about the computer’s configuration. The CMOS button resets CMOS but does not clear the power-on and setup passwords. Clearing CMOS will clear the Active Management Technology (AMT) settings in the Management Engine BIOS Extension (MEBx), including the password. The password will default to “admin” and will need to be reset. The AMT settings will also need to be reset. To access the MEBx, press CTRL+P during POST.
4. Locate, press, and hold the CMOS button in for five seconds. NOTE: Make sure you have disconnected the AC power cord from the wall outlet. The CMOS button will not clear CMOS if the power cord is connected. Figure B-1 CMOS button NOTE: For assistance locating the CMOS button and other system board components, see the Illustrated Parts Map (IPM) for that particular system. 5. Replace the computer cover or access panel. 6. Reconnect the external devices. 7. Plug in the computer and turn on power.
C Drive Protection System (DPS) The Drive Protection System (DPS) is a diagnostic tool built into the hard drives installed in some computers. DPS is designed to help diagnose problems that might result in unwarranted hard drive replacement. When these systems are built, each installed hard drive is tested using DPS, and a permanent record of key information is written onto the drive. Each time DPS is run, test results are written to the hard drive.
Accessing DPS Through Computer Setup When the computer does not power on properly you should use Computer Setup to access the DPS program. To access DPS, perform the following steps: 1. Turn on or restart the computer. 2. When the F10 Setup message appears in the lower-right corner of the screen, press the F10 key. NOTE: If you do not press the F10 key while the message is displayed, you must turn the computer off, then on again, to access the utility.
Index A access panel, locked 11 audible codes 55 audio problems 27 B beep codes 55 boot problems 41 booting options Full Boot 48 Quick Boot 48 C CD-ROM or DVD problems 40 CMOS backing up 58 clearing and resetting 60 Customer Support 7, 47 D diagnostics utility 1 diskette problems 15 Drive Key problems 42 Drive Protection System (DPS) 62 E error codes 48, 55 messages 49 F flashing LEDs 55 front panel problems 43 G general problems 10 H hard drive problems 18 hardware installation problems 32 helpful hints 8
