Troubleshooting Guide HP Business Desktops dx5150 model Document Part Number: 375373-002 August 2005 This guide provides helpful hints and solutions for troubleshooting the above products as well as scenarios for possible hardware and software problems.
© Copyright 2004–2005 Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. The information contained herein is subject to change without notice. Microsoft, MS-DOS, Windows, and Windows NT are trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the U.S. and 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.
Contents 1 Computer Diagnostic Features Diagnostics for Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1–1 Detecting Diagnostics for Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1–2 Installing Diagnostics for Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1–3 Using Categories in Diagnostics for Windows. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Contents Solving Drive Key Problems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Solving Internet Access Problems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Solving Software Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Contacting Customer Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1 Computer Diagnostic Features Diagnostics for Windows The Diagnostics for Windows (DFW) utility allows you to view information about the hardware and software configuration of the computer while running Microsoft Windows XP. It also allows you to perform hardware and software tests on the subsystems of the computer. When you invoke Diagnostics for Windows, the Overview screen is displayed, which shows the current configuration of the computer.
Computer Diagnostic Features Detecting Diagnostics for Windows Some computers ship with the Diagnostics for Windows preloaded, but not preinstalled. You may have installed it earlier, along with other utilities, or it may have been installed by another user. To determine whether Diagnostics for Windows is installed: 1. Access the location of the Diagnostics icons. In Windows XP Home or Windows XP Professional, select Start > Control Panel. 2. Look through the displayed icons in the Control Panel.
Computer Diagnostic Features Installing Diagnostics for Windows If Diagnostics for Windows is not preloaded, you can download the Diagnostics for Windows SoftPaq from the following Web site: http://www.hp.com/support The following operation is required only if the diagnostics program software has been loaded on the hard drive but not installed. 1. Close any Windows applications. 2. Install the Diagnostics for Windows utility: ❏ In Windows XP, select Start > Setup Software icon.
Computer Diagnostic Features Using Categories in Diagnostics for Windows To use the categories do the following: 1. Click Start > HP Information Center > Diagnostics for Windows. You can also select the Diagnostics for Windows icon, located in the Control Panel, by clicking Start > Control Panel, then select Diagnostics for Windows. The screen displays the overview of the computer hardware and software. 2.
Computer Diagnostic Features Menu Bar—File, Categories, Navigation, Level, Tab, Help At the top of the Diagnostics for Windows screen is the Menu Bar consisting of six pull-down menus: ■ File—Save As, Print, Printer Setup, Exit ■ Categories—See the list of categories in the following section ■ Navigation—Previous Category (F5), Next Category (F6) ■ Level—Less (F7), More (F8) ■ Tab—Overview, Test, Status, Log, Error ■ Help—Contents, How to use Help, About Tool Bar—Ico
Computer Diagnostic Features Tabs—Overview, Test, Status, Log, Error Below the Tool Bar are five tabs: ■ Overview—The Overview window displays general overview information about the computer. This is the window that is displayed when you first start the utility. The left side of the window shows hardware information, and the right side of the window shows software information. ■ Test—The Test window allows you to choose various parts of the system to test.
Computer Diagnostic Features 3. Select one of the following options: ❏ Quick Test—Runs a quick, general test on each device. Requires no user intervention if Unattended Mode is selected. ❏ Complete Test—Runs maximum testing of each device. The user can select Interactive Mode or Unattended Mode. ❏ Custom Test—Runs only the tests you select. To select specific devices or tests, find the device in the list, then select the check box beside each test.
Computer Diagnostic Features 6. To view a test report, select a tab: ❏ The Status tab summarizes the tests run, passed, and failed during the current testing session. ❏ The Log tab lists tests run on the system, the numbers of times each test has run, the number of errors found on each test, and the total run time of each test. ❏ The Error tab lists all errors found on the computer with their error codes. 7. To save a test report: ❏ Select the Log tab Save button to save a Log tab report.
Computer Diagnostic Features Configuration Record The Configuration Record utility is a windows-based information-gathering tool similar to other management tools. It gathers critical hardware and software information from various computer subsystems to give a complete view of the computer. Configuration Record provides a means for automatically identifying and comparing configuration changes, and has the ability to maintain a configuration history.
Computer Diagnostic Features Installing Configuration Record The Configuration Record is part of Diagnostics for Windows. Whenever you install Diagnostics for Windows, the Configuration Record is also installed. Running Configuration Record To run this program: 1. Click Start > HP Information Center > Configuration Record. You can also select the Configuration Record icon, located in the Control Panel, by clicking Start > Control Panel, then select Configuration Record.
Computer Diagnostic Features Protecting the Software To protect software from loss or damage, you should keep a backup copy of all system software, applications, and related files stored on the hard drive. See the operating system or backup utility documentation for instructions on making backup copies of data files. Restoring the Software The Windows operating system and software can be restored to the original state that they were when you purchased the computer by using the Restore Plus! CD.
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. information on specific error messages that may appear on the ✎ For screen during Power-On Self-Test (POST) at startup, refer to Appendix A, “POST Error Messages.
Troubleshooting Without Diagnostics Before You Call for Technical Support If you are having problems with the computer, try the appropriate solutions below to try to isolate the exact problem before calling for technical support. Ä 2–2 ■ Run the Diagnostics for Windows utility. Refer to Chapter 1, “Computer Diagnostic Features” for more information. ■ Check the Power LED on the front of the computer to see if it is flashing red.
Troubleshooting Without Diagnostics 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. Access the Business Support Center (BSC) at http://www.hp.
Troubleshooting Without Diagnostics Helpful Hints If you encounter problems with the computer, monitor, or software, see the following list of general suggestions before taking further action: 2–4 ■ Check that the computer and monitor are plugged into a working electrical outlet. ■ Check to see that the voltage select switch (some models) is set to the appropriate voltage for your region (115V or 230V). ■ Check to see that the computer is turned on and the green power light is on.
Troubleshooting Without Diagnostics Ä Troubleshooting Guide ■ 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. ■ Remove all bootable media (diskette, CD, or USB device) from the system before turning it on. ■ If you have installed an operating system other than the factory-installed operating system, check to be sure that it is supported on the system.
Troubleshooting Without Diagnostics 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. Solving General Problems Problem Cause Solution Computer appears locked up and will not turn off when the power button is pressed. Software control of the power switch is not functional.
Troubleshooting Without Diagnostics Solving General Problems (Continued) Problem Cause Solution Cursor will not move using the arrow keys on the keypad. The Num Lock key may be on. Press the Num Lock key. The Num Lock light should not be on if you want to use the arrow keys. The Num Lock key can be disabled (or enabled) in Computer Setup. Poor performance is experienced. Processor is hot. 1. Make sure the airflow to the computer is not blocked. Leave a 4-inch (10.
Troubleshooting Without Diagnostics Solving General Problems (Continued) Problem Cause Solution Computer powered off automatically and the Power LED flashes Red two times, once every second, followed by a two-second pause. The Power LED will continue flashing until the problem is resolved. Processor thermal protection activated: A fan may be blocked or not turning. OR The heatsink is not properly attached to the processor. 1.
Troubleshooting Without Diagnostics Solving General Problems (Continued) Problem Cause Solution System does not power on and the LEDs on the front of the computer are not flashing. System unable to power on. Press and hold the power button for less than 4 seconds. If the hard drive LED turns green, then: 1. Check that the voltage selector, located on the rear of the power supply on some models, is set to the appropriate voltage. Proper voltage setting depends on your region. 2.
Troubleshooting Without Diagnostics Solving Power Supply Problems Common causes and solutions for power supply problems are listed in the following table. Solving Power Supply Problems Problem Cause Solution Power supply shuts down intermittently. 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.
Troubleshooting Without Diagnostics Solving Power Supply Problems (Continued) Problem Cause Solution Computer powered off automatically and the Power LED flashes Red two times, once every second, followed by a two-second pause. The Power LED will continue flashing until the problem is resolved. Processor thermal protection activated: A fan may be blocked or not turning. OR The heatsink is not properly attached to the processor. 1.
Troubleshooting Without Diagnostics Solving Power Supply Problems (Continued) Problem Cause Solution Power LED flashes Red four times, once every second, followed by a two-second pause. The Power LED will continue flashing until the problem is resolved. Power failure (power supply is overloaded). 1. Check that the voltage selector, located on the rear of the power supply (some models), is set to the appropriate voltage. Proper voltage setting depends on your region. 2.
Troubleshooting Without Diagnostics Solving Diskette Problems Common causes and solutions for diskette problems are listed in the following table. may need to reconfigure the computer when you add or remove ✎ You hardware, such as an additional diskette drive. See “Solving Hardware Installation Problems” for instructions. Solving Diskette Problems Problem Cause Solution Diskette drive light stays on. Diskette is damaged. In Microsoft Windows XP, right-click Start, click Explore, and select a drive.
Troubleshooting Without Diagnostics Solving Diskette Problems (Continued) Problem Cause Solution Diskette drive cannot write to a diskette. Writing to the wrong drive. Check the drive letter in the path statement. (continued) Not enough space is left on the diskette. 1. Use another diskette. Diskette is damaged. Replace the damaged disk. Invalid media reported. When formatting a disk in MS-DOS, you may need to specify diskette capacity. For example, to format a 1.
Troubleshooting Without Diagnostics Solving Diskette Problems (Continued) Problem Cause Solution Cannot Boot to Diskette. Diskette is not bootable. Replace with a bootable diskette. Diskette boot has been disabled in Computer Setup. Enter Computer Setup and enable the diskette drive in Integrated Peripherals > Onboard FDC Controller. Network server mode is enabled in Computer Setup.
Troubleshooting Without Diagnostics Solving Hard Drive Problems Solving Hard Drive Problems Problem Cause Solution Hard drive error occurs. Hard disk has bad sectors or has failed. 1. In Windows XP, right-click Start, click Explore, and select a drive. Select File > Properties > Tools. Under Error-checking, click Check Now. 2. Use a utility to locate and block usage of bad sectors. If necessary, reformat the hard disk. Disk transaction problem.
Troubleshooting Without Diagnostics Solving Hard Drive Problems (Continued) Problem Cause Solution Drive not found (identified). Drive’s controller is disabled in Computer Setup. Enter Computer Setup and enable all the IDE and SATA controllers in Integrated Peripherals > South OnChip IDE Device and Integrated Peripherals > South OnChip PCI Device. Drive responds slowly immediately after power-up. Enter Computer Setup and disable the Quick Power On Self Test in Advanced BIOS Features.
Troubleshooting Without Diagnostics Solving Hard Drive Problems (Continued) Problem Cause Solution Nonsystem disk/NTLDR missing message. Hard drive boot has been disabled in Computer Setup. Enter Computer Setup and enable the hard drive in Integrated Peripherals > South OnChip IDE Device > OnChip IDE Channel 0 or 1. (continued) Or Enter Computer Setup and enable the hard drive in Integrated Peripherals > South OnChip PCI Device > Onboard Chip SATA. Computer will not start.
Troubleshooting Without Diagnostics 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. Solving Display Problems Problem Cause Solution Blank screen (no video). 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.
Troubleshooting Without Diagnostics Solving Display Problems (Continued) Problem Cause Solution Blank screen (no video). Monitor cable is plugged into the wrong connector. If the computer system has both an integrated graphics connector and an add-in graphics card connector, plug the monitor cable into the graphics card connector on the back of the computer. Monitor settings in the computer are not compatible with the monitor. 1.
Troubleshooting Without Diagnostics Solving Display Problems (Continued) Problem Cause Solution 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. The beeps will repeat five times, but the Power LED will continue flashing until the problem is resolved. Pre-video graphics error.
Troubleshooting Without Diagnostics Solving Display Problems (Continued) Problem Cause Solution Blurry video or requested resolution cannot be set. Monitor is not capable of displaying requested resolution. Change requested resolution. Graphics card is bad. Replace the graphics card. (continued) The picture is broken up, rolls, jitters, or flashes. The monitor connections may be incomplete or the monitor may be incorrectly adjusted. 1.
Troubleshooting Without Diagnostics Solving Display Problems (Continued) Problem Cause 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) Flat panel monitor’s internal digital conversion circuits may be unable to correctly interpret the output synchronization of the graphics card. 1.
Troubleshooting Without Diagnostics 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. Solving Audio Problems Problem Cause Solution Sound cuts in and out. 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: 1.
Troubleshooting Without Diagnostics Solving Audio Problems (Continued) Problem Cause Solution Sound does not come out of the speaker or headphones. The external speakers are not turned on. Turn on the external speakers. External speakers plugged into the wrong audio jack. See the sound card documentation for proper speaker connection. Digital CD audio is not enabled. Enable digital CD audio: (continued) 1. From the Control Panel, select System. 2.
Troubleshooting Without Diagnostics Solving Audio Problems (Continued) Problem Cause Solution Noise or no sound comes out of the speakers or headphones. Computer may not be detecting the correct speaker/headphone type or output or analog-to-digital auto-sense is not engaged. 1. If you are using digital speakers that have a stereo jack and want the system to auto-switch to digital, use a stereo-to-mono adapter to properly engage the auto-sense feature. 2.
Troubleshooting Without Diagnostics 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. Solving Printer Problems Problem Cause Solution Printer will not print. 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.
Troubleshooting Without Diagnostics 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. Solving Keyboard Problems Problem Cause Solution Keyboard commands and typing are not recognized by the computer. Keyboard connector is not properly connected. 1. On the Windows Desktop, click Start. 2. Click Shut Down. The Shut Down Windows dialog box is displayed.
Troubleshooting Without Diagnostics Solving Mouse Problems Problem Cause Solution Mouse does not respond to movement or is too slow. Mouse connector is not properly plugged into the back of the computer. Shut down the computer using the keyboard. 1. Press the Ctrl and Esc keys at the same time (or press the Windows logo key) to display the Start menu. 2. Use the up or down arrow key to select Shut Down and then press the Enter key. 3.
Troubleshooting Without Diagnostics 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 XP automatically recognize the device and configure the computer. If you install a non–plug and play device, you must reconfigure the computer after completing installation of the new hardware.
Troubleshooting Without Diagnostics Solving Hardware Installation Problems (Continued) Problem Cause Solution Computer will not start. Wrong memory modules were used in the upgrade or memory modules were installed in the wrong location. 1. Review the documentation that came with the system to determine if you are using the correct memory modules and to verify the proper installation. 2. Observe the beeps and LED lights on the front of the computer.
Troubleshooting Without Diagnostics Solving Hardware Installation Problems (Continued) Problem Cause Power LED flashes Red ten times, once every second, followed by a two-second pause, and the computer beeps ten times. The beeps will repeat five times, but the Power LED will continue flashing until the problem is resolved. Bad option card. 2–32 Solution 1. Check each option card by removing the cards one at time (if multiple cards), then power on the system to see if fault goes away. 2.
Troubleshooting Without Diagnostics 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. Solving Network Problems Problem Cause Solution Wake-on-LAN feature is not functioning. Wake-on-LAN is not enabled. Enable Wake-on-LAN. 1. Select Start > Control Panel. 2. Double-click Network Connections. 3. Double-click Local Area Connection. 4. Click Properties. 5.
Troubleshooting Without Diagnostics Solving Network Problems (Continued) Problem Cause Solution Network status link light never flashes. No active network is detected. Check cabling and network equipment for proper connection. ✎ 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. The network status light is supposed to flash when there is network activity.
Troubleshooting Without Diagnostics Solving Network Problems (Continued) Problem Cause Solution Diagnostics reports a failure. Network controller interrupt is shared with an expansion board. Enter Computer Setup and change the resource settings for the board in PnP/PCI Configurations > IRQ Resources. The network controller is defective. Contact an authorized service provider. Network drivers are not loaded, or driver parameters do not match current configuration.
Troubleshooting Without Diagnostics Solving Network Problems (Continued) Problem Cause Solution Network controller stops working without apparent cause. The files containing the network drivers are corrupted. Reinstall the network drivers, using the Restore Plus! CD. 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.
Troubleshooting Without Diagnostics Solving Memory Problems If you encounter memory problems, some common causes and solutions are listed in the following table. Ä CAUTION: This system does not support ECC memory. Solving Memory Problems Problem Cause Solution System will not boot or does not function properly after installing additional memory modules. Memory module is not the correct type or speed grade for the system or the new memory module is not seated properly.
Troubleshooting Without Diagnostics Solving Memory Problems (Continued) Problem Cause Power LED flashes Red five times, once every second, followed by a two-second pause, and the computer beeps five times. The beeps will repeat five times, but the Power LED will continue flashing until the problem is resolved. Memory is installed incorrectly or is bad. 2–38 Solution 1. Reseat DIMMs. Power on the system. 2. Replace DIMMs one at a time to isolate the faulty module. 3.
Troubleshooting Without Diagnostics Solving Processor Problems If you encounter processor problems, common causes and solutions are listed in the following table. Solving Processor Problems Problem Cause Solution Poor performance is experienced. Processor is hot. 1. Make sure the airflow to the computer is not blocked. Leave a 4-inch (10.2-cm) clearance at the back of the system unit and above the monitor to permit the required airflow. 2.
Troubleshooting Without Diagnostics 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. Solving CD-ROM and DVD Problems Problem Cause Solution System will not boot from CD-ROM or DVD drive. Removable Media Boot is disabled in the Computer Setup utility.
Troubleshooting Without Diagnostics Solving CD-ROM and DVD Problems (Continued) Problem Cause Solution Movie will not play in the DVD drive. Media installed upside down. Reinstall media. Cannot eject compact disc (tray-load unit). 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. Slowly pull the tray out from the drive until the tray is fully extended, then remove the disc.
Troubleshooting Without Diagnostics Solving CD-ROM and DVD Problems (Continued) Problem Cause Solution Recording audio CDs is difficult or impossible. Wrong or poor quality media type. 1. Try using a slower speed when recording. 2. Verify that you are using the correct media for the drive. 3. Try a different brand of media. Quality varies widely between manufacturers. Solving Drive Key Problems If you encounter Drive Key problems, common causes and solutions are listed in the following table.
Troubleshooting Without Diagnostics 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. Solving Internet Access Problems Problem Cause Solution Unable to connect to the Internet. 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.
Troubleshooting Without Diagnostics Solving Internet Access Problems (Continued) Problem Cause Solution Unable to connect to the Internet. Cookies are corrupted. (A "cookie" is a small piece of information that a Web server can store temporarily with your Web browser. This is useful for having your browser remember some specific information that the Web server can later retrieve.) In Windows XP: You must log on to your ISP before some programs will start.
Troubleshooting Without Diagnostics Solving Internet Access Problems (Continued) Problem Cause Solution Internet takes too long to download Web sites. Modem is not set up properly. Verify that the correct modem speed and COM port are selected. In 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 Ports (COM & LPT). 6.
Troubleshooting Without Diagnostics 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.
Troubleshooting Without Diagnostics Solving Software Problems (Continued) Problem Cause Solution “Illegal Operation has Occurred” error message is displayed. Software being used is not Microsoft-certified for your version of Windows. Verify that the software is certified by Microsoft for your version of Windows (see program packaging for this information). Configuration files are corrupt. If possible, save all data, close all programs, and restart the computer.
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 Error Messages 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. computer will beep once after a POST text message is displayed ✎ The on the screen.
POST Error Messages Numeric Codes and Text Messages (Continued) Code/Message Probable Cause Recommended Action Keyboard error or no keyboard present Cannot initialize the keyboard. Make sure the keyboard is attached correctly and no keys are pressed during POST. To purposely configure the system without a keyboard, set the error halt condition in Setup to HALT ON ALL, BUT KEYBOARD. The BIOS then ignores the missing keyboard during POST.
POST Error Messages Numeric Codes and Text Messages (Continued) Code/Message Probable Cause Recommended Action Warning: CPU fan has failed. CPU Fan weak (RPM < 1000) or not turning. Ensure that the CPU fan power cable is connected. If the problem persists, contact an authorized service center for assistance. Warning: System Fan has failed. System Fan weak (RPM < 1000) or not turning. Ensure that the System fan power cable is connected.
POST Error Messages 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. see flashing LEDs on a PS/2 keyboard, look for flashing LEDs ✎ Ifonyou the front panel of the computer and refer to the following table to determine the front panel LED codes.
POST Error Messages Diagnostic Front Panel LEDs and Audible Codes (Continued) Activity Beeps Red Power LED flashes two times, once every second, followed by a two-second pause. The Power LED will continue flashing until the problem is resolved. None Possible Cause Processor thermal protection activated: A fan may be blocked or not turning. OR The heatsink/fan assembly is not properly attached to the processor. Recommended Action 1.
POST Error Messages Diagnostic Front Panel LEDs and Audible Codes (Continued) Activity Beeps Red Power LED flashes four times, once every second, followed by a two-second pause. The Power LED will continue flashing until the problem is resolved. None Possible Cause Power failure (power supply is overloaded). Recommended Action 1. Open the hood and ensure the 4-wire power supply cable is seated into the connector on the system board. 2.
POST Error Messages Diagnostic Front Panel LEDs and Audible Codes (Continued) Activity Beeps Possible Cause Red Power LED flashes six times, once every second, followed by a two-second pause. The Power LED will continue flashing until the problem is resolved. 6 Red Power LED flashes seven times, once every second, followed by a two-second pause. The Power LED will continue flashing until the problem is resolved. 7 System board failure (ROM detected failure prior to video).
POST Error Messages Diagnostic Front Panel LEDs and Audible Codes (Continued) Activity Red Power LED flashes ten times, once every second, followed by a two-second pause. The Power LED will continue flashing until the problem is resolved. Troubleshooting Guide Beeps 10 Possible Cause Bad option card. Recommended Action 1. Check each graphics card by removing the card (one at a time if multiple cards), then power on the system to see if fault goes away. 2.
POST Error Messages Diagnostic Front Panel LEDs and Audible Codes (Continued) Activity System does not power on and LEDs are not flashing. Beeps None Possible Cause System unable to power on. Recommended Action Press and hold the power button for less than 4 seconds. If the hard drive LED turns green, then: 1. Check that the voltage selector, located on the rear of the power supply, is set to the appropriate voltage. Proper voltage setting depends on your region. 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: supervisor password and user password. When you establish only a supervisor password, any user can access all the information on the computer except Computer Setup.
Password Security and Resetting CMOS Resetting the Password Jumper To disable the user or supervisor password features, or to clear the user or supervisor 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.
Password Security and Resetting CMOS 8. Plug in the computer and turn on power. Allow the operating system to start. This clears the current passwords and disables the password features. 9. To establish new passwords, repeat steps 1 through 4, replace the password jumper on pins 1 and 2, then repeat steps 6 through 8. Establish the new passwords in Computer Setup. Refer to the Computer Setup (F10) Utility Guide on the Documentation CD for Computer Setup instructions.
Password Security and Resetting CMOS See the Desktop Management Guide on the Documentation CD for further instructions on reestablishing passwords. For instructions on Computer Setup, see the Computer Setup (F10) Utility Guide on the Documentation CD Using the CMOS Switch to Reset CMOS this method to reset CMOS if you cannot access Computer Setup. ✎ Use If you can access Computer Setup, refer to the previous section for instructions on using Computer Setup to reset CMOS. 1.
Password Security and Resetting CMOS 4. Slide the CMOS switch in the direction shown in the illustration below. sure you have disconnected the AC power cord from the wall ✎ Make outlet. The CMOS switch will not clear CMOS if the power cord is connected. CMOS switch assistance locating the CMOS switch and other system board ✎ For components, see the Illustrated Parts Map (IPM) for that particular system. 5. Replace the computer cover or access panel. Troubleshooting Guide www.hp.
Password Security and Resetting CMOS 6. Reconnect the external devices. 7. Plug in the computer and turn on power. will receive POST error messages after clearing CMOS and ✎ You rebooting advising you that configuration changes have occurred. Use Computer Setup to reset your passwords and any special system setups along with the date and time. See the Desktop Management Guide on the Documentation CD for further instructions on reestablishing passwords.
C Setting up Analog/Digital Audio Output Some computers may have an integrated audio solution that supports analog or digital external stereo speakers. These systems are capable of auto-sensing the speaker type and outputting the correct signal. To manually change between analog, digital, and auto-sense, complete the following set of procedures based on the operating system.
Index A F audible codes A–5 audio output D–1 audio problems 2–24 flashing LEDs A–5 B battery, replacing 2–6 beep codes A–5 blank screen 2–19 C CD-ROM or DVD problems 2–40 CMOS backing up B–6 clearing and resetting B–3 switch B–4 Configuration Record Utility installing 1–10 overview 1–9 running 1–10 Customer Support 2–2, 2–47 D date and time display 2–6 Diagnostics for Windows detecting 1–2 installing 1–3 menu bar 1–5 overview 1–1 running tests 1–6 tool bar 1–5 diskette problems 2–13 Drive Key problems
Index numeric codes A–2 O optical drive problems 2–40 P password clearing B–1 features B–1 resetting jumper B–2 supervisor B–1 user B–1 POST enabling error messages A–1 error messages A–1 power supply problems 2–10 printer problems 2–27 problems audio 2–24 CD-ROM and DVD 2–40 diskette 2–13 display 2–19 Drive Key 2–42 general 2–6 hard drive 2–16 installing hardware 2–30 Internet access 2–43 keyboard 2–28 memory 2–37 Index–2 minor 2–4 mouse 2–29 network 2–33 optical drives 2–40 power supply 2–10 printer