Troubleshooting Guide
Table Of Contents
- Contents
 - Computer Diagnostic Features
 - Troubleshooting Without Diagnostics
- Safety and Comfort
 - Before You Call for Technical Support
 - Helpful Hints
 - Solving General Problems
 - Solving Power Supply Problems
 - Solving Diskette Problems
 - Solving Hard Drive Problems
 - Solving MultiBay Problems
 - Solving Display Problems
 - Solving Audio Problems
 - Solving Printer Problems
 - Solving Keyboard and Mouse Problems
 - Solving Hardware Installation Problems
 - Solving Network Problems
 - Solving Memory Problems
 - Solving Processor Problems
 - Solving CD-ROM and DVD Problems
 - Solving Drive Key Problems
 - Solving Internet Access Problems
 - Solving Software Problems
 - Contacting Customer Support
 
 - POST Error Messages
 - Password Security and Resetting CMOS
 - Drive Protection System (DPS)
 - Setting up Analog/Digital Audio Output
 - Index
 

2–6 www.hp.com Troubleshooting Guide
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.
Press and hold the power button for at 
least four seconds until the computer 
turns off.
Computer will not 
respond to USB 
keyboard or mouse.
Computer is in 
standby mode.
Press the power button to resume from 
standby mode.
System has locked up. Restart computer.
Ä
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 your data.
Computer date and 
time display is incorrect.
RTC (real-time clock) 
battery may need to be 
replaced. 
✎
Connecting the 
computer to a live 
AC outlet prolongs 
the life of the 
RTC battery.
First, reset the date and time under 
Control Panel (Computer Setup can 
also be used to update the RTC date 
and time). If the problem persists, 
replace the RTC battery. See the 
Hardware Reference Guide on the 
Documentation CD for instructions on 
installing a new battery, or contact an 
authorized dealer or reseller for RTC 
battery replacement.
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.










