Troubleshooting Guide

2–2 www.hp.com Troubleshooting Guide

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.

■ Run the Diagnostics for Windows utility. Refer to Chapter 1,

“Computer Diagnostic Features” for more information.

■ Run the Drive Protection System (DPS) Self-Test in Computer

Setup. Refer to the Computer Setup (F10) Utility Guide on the

Documentation CD for more information.

■ Check the Power LED on the front of the computer to see if it is

flashing red. The flashing lights are error codes that will help you

diagnose the problem. Refer to Appendix A, “POST Error

Messages” for more information.

■ If the screen is blank, plug the monitor into a different video port

on the computer if one is available. Or, change out the monitor

with a monitor that you know is functioning properly.

■ If you are working on a network, plug another computer with a

different cable into the network connection. There may be a

problem with the network plug or cable.

■ If you recently added new hardware, remove the hardware and

see if the computer functions properly.

■ If you recently installed new software, uninstall the software and

see if the computer functions properly.

■ Boot the computer to the Safe Mode to see if it will boot without

all of the drivers loaded. When booting the operating system, use

“Last Known Configuration.”

■ Refer to the comprehensive online technical support at

www.hp.com/support.

■ Refer to the following “Helpful Hints” section in this guide.

■ Run the Restore Plus! CD.

CAUTION: Running the Restore Plus! CD will erase all data on the hard

drive.