Troubleshooting and Maintenance Guide
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Table of Contents Maintenance............................................................................................1 Creating Data Backup Discs ....................................................................................1 Creating System Recovery Discs ...............................................................................1 Removing Unused Programs.....................................................................................2 Using Windows Update ................................
iv Troubleshooting and Maintenance Guide
Maintenance This section includes information about tasks you can perform to help ensure trouble-free operation of your computer, and to ease the recovery of important information on your computer if problems arise in the future. 5 When you are finished adding files, click the Burn a Disc icon. Creating Data Backup Discs 6 At the message prompting you to insert a disc, do so. The Configuration/Information window opens to the Burner tab, to enable you to set your recording configuration.
Removing Unused Programs Unused programs take up memory space and slow down the computer. If there are programs you do not use, follow these steps to uninstall them. 1 Click the Windows Vista start button, and then click Control Panel. 2 Click Uninstall a program. The Programs and Features window opens. 3 Select the program you want to remove, and then click Uninstall. 4 Follow the onscreen instructions.
Running the Disk Defragmenter Program Checking for Hard Disk Drive Errors When Microsoft® Windows Vista® operating system stores files on your hard disk drive, it often divides them into multiple pieces (or fragments) so they fit into available space on the drive. When you open a fragmented file, the process takes more time because it must be retrieved from more than one place. Perform the following procedure to check the integrity of the hard disk drive in Windows Vista.
Keeping the Computer Free of Dust and Dirt Keeping your computer system free of dust and dirt will prolong its life. Dust, pet hair, and other particles can build up, creating a blanket effect; as a result, components can overheat, or, in the case of the keyboard and mouse, not work as smoothly and effectively. Check your system once a month for visible signs of dust and debris, and clean it about once every three months.
Troubleshooting Computer Problems The troubleshooting tables appear in the following order: Audio CD and DVD Drives Video Display (Monitor) Hard Disk Drive Hardware Installation Internet Access Keyboard and Mouse Power Performance Bluetooth Wireless Devices Miscellaneous For more information about monitor problems, or for problems related specifically to your printer, refer to the documentation provided by the product manufacturer.
Audio (continued) Symptom Possible solution Codec error messages appear when certain audio files are played. Open the file in Windows Media Player. Ensure Windows Media Player is configured to automatically download codecs. If the correct codec is available, the file will play. Note that you must be connected to the Internet to download the codec file. If the correct codec is not available, check to see whether there is an update available for Windows Media Player.
CD and DVD Drives Symptom Possible solution The CD or DVD drive cannot read a disc, or it takes too long to start. Ensure the disc is inserted with the label facing up and centered in the tray. Wait at least 30 seconds for the drive to determine the type of media. Clean the disc with a disc cleaning kit, available from most computer stores. The driver may be corrupted or outdated. For detailed information about restoring and updating drivers, see “Updating Drivers” on page 22.
CD and DVD Drives (continued) Symptom Possible solution I cannot create (record) a disc. (continued) Select a slower write speed for the recording drive, if a slower speed is available. The recording software may not let you add a track if it exceeds the available space on your disc. You can make space available by removing one or more tracks from the list before recording the files to the disc. Close all software programs and windows before recording.
Video Symptom Possible solution Some video files do not play. Your file may be corrupt or in an unsupported format. Open the video file in a video editor, and then resave the file in a supported format. Codec error messages appear when I play certain video files. Open the file in Windows Media Player. Ensure Windows Media Player is configured to automatically download codecs. If the correct codec is available, the file will play.
Display (Monitor) In addition to the information listed here, also refer to the documentation that came with your monitor. Symptom Possible solution Screen is blank, and monitor power light is not lit. Reconnect the power plug to the back of the monitor and to the wall outlet. Screen is blank. Press the space bar on the keyboard or move the mouse to make the screen display visible again. Press the On button on the front of the monitor.
Hard Disk Drive Symptom Possible solution Computer seems to be locked up and is not responding. Use the Windows Task Manager to close any programs not responding, or restart the computer: 1 Press the Ctrl, Alt, and Delete keys on the keyboard simultaneously. 2 Click Start Task Manager. 3 Select the program that is not responding, and then click End Task. If closing programs does not work, restart the computer: 1 Press the Ctrl, Alt, and Delete keys on the keyboard simultaneously.
Hardware Installation (continued) Symptom Possible solution A new device does not work. To install or uninstall a device driver, you must be logged in with administrative privileges. If you need to switch users, click the Windows Vista start button, click the Arrow button next to the Lock button, and then click Switch User. Choose a user with administrative privileges. A device does not work after installing a new device.
Internet Access Symptom Possible solution I cannot connect to the Internet. Verify Internet settings, or contact your Internet Service Provider (ISP) for assistance. Verify that you are using the proper cables for your Internet connection type. Your computer may have a modem and an Ethernet network adapter (also called a network interface card, or NIC). A modem uses a standard telephone cable to make a dial-up connection. A NIC uses a network cable to connect to a local area network (LAN).
Internet Access (continued) Symptom Possible solution The AOL program opens even when it is not being used. You may want to remove the AOL program. To uninstall AOL: 1 Click the Windows Vista start button, and then click Control Panel. 2 Click Uninstall a program. 3 Select America Online, click Uninstall, and then follow the onscreen instructions. NOTE: Removing the AOL program will not cancel your account with AOL. My Internet browser home page changed to something I did not want.
Keyboard and Mouse Symptom Possible solution Keyboard commands and typing are not recognized by the computer. Turn off the computer by using the mouse, reconnect the keyboard to the back of your computer, and then turn on your computer. Keyboard Print button does not work. Use the Print menu item in the program (usually located on the File menu). Wireless keyboard or mouse does not work or is not detected. Check for these problems: Ensure the mouse and keyboard are within range of the receiver.
Keyboard and Mouse (continued) Symptom Possible solution Wireless keyboard or mouse does not work or is not detected. (continued) After the mouse connection is established, repeat the procedure with the keyboard: 1 Push the Connect button on the receiver, and hold it for 5 to 10 seconds until the blue light starts to flash. 2 Push and hold the Connect button (c) on the underside of the keyboard until the blue LED on the receiver stops flashing.
Keyboard and Mouse (continued) Symptom Possible solution I cannot move the cursor using the arrow keys on the number key pad. Press the Num Lock key. The Num Lock light should not be on if you want to use the arrow keys on the number key pad. Cursor moves only vertically or horizontally (or it does not move smoothly on the screen). Remove the rollerball cover from bottom of mouse (rotate it counterclockwise), remove the ball, and clean it with a damp, lint-free cloth (not paper).
Power Symptom Possible solution Computer will not turn on or start. Ensure that cables connecting the computer to the external power source are plugged in properly. When the cables connecting the computer to the external power source are plugged in properly, and the wall outlet is functioning, the green power supply light on the back of the computer should be on; if it is not, refer to the Limited Warranty and Support Guide to contact Support.
Performance Symptom Possible solution Software programs and files take longer to open or respond. If you created multiple user accounts on your computer, ensure other users are not logged in. If there are multiple users logged in simultaneously, system resources must be shared among them.
Performance (continued) Symptom Possible solution Software programs and files take longer to open or respond. (continued) Check for hard disk drive errors: 1 Close all open programs and windows. 2 Click the Windows Vista start button, and then Computer. 3 Right-click the hard disk drive that you want to check, and then click Properties. The System Properties window opens. 4 Click the Tools tab. 5 Under Error-checking, click Check Now.
Miscellaneous Symptom Possible solution Error message: Insufficient memory. Close all open programs, and then try the desired task again, or restart your computer (click the Windows Vista start button, click the Arrow button next to the Lock button, and then click Restart). If the message displays again, consider purchasing and installing additional memory. Remote sensor is not receiving a signal from the remote control (select models only).
Repairing Software Problems Your computer uses the operating system and installed software programs during normal operation. If your computer works improperly or stops because of the software, you may be able to repair it. Some software repairs are as simple as restarting your computer, and others require performing a system recovery from files on your hard disk drive. IMPORTANT: You must perform the computer repair methods in the order described in this document.
Microsoft System Restore For more information about software restore points: Microsoft Windows Vista includes a feature that enables you to restore your computer configuration to that of a previous time when the current software problem did not exist. The feature does this by creating a restore point where it records the computer settings at that time and date. 1 Click the Windows Vista start button, and then click Help and Support.
To uninstall a program: 1 Close all software programs and folders. 2 Uninstall the damaged program: a Click the Windows Vista start button, Control Panel. b Under Programs, click Uninstall a program. c Select the program you want to remove, and then click Uninstall. d You must choose one of the following methods to perform a system recovery: NOTE: The recovery image uses a portion of the hard disk drive that cannot be used for data storage.
DVD+RW, DVD-RW, and CD-RW discs cannot be used to create recovery discs. System Recovery Options You must use high-quality discs. Because making a set of recovery discs is so important, there is a very high verification standard for this process. You may see error messages such as Recording failure when writing disc or Error detected during disc verification. 1 Through the hard disk drive, from the Windows Vista Start menu. Your discs may be rejected if they are not defect-free.
5 In the Recovery Manager Welcome window, click the Advanced options button. 6 Choose the system recovery option that recovers your computer to its original factory condition, and then click Next. 7 Click Next at the next screen that prompts you to do so. Your computer restarts. NOTE: If your system does not detect a recovery partition, it will prompt you to insert a recovery disc. 8 In the Welcome window, click Next. 9 When prompted to perform a system restore, click No, and then click Next.
3 If the computer works, click the Windows Vista start button, click the Arrow button next to the Lock button, and then click Shut Down. Or If the computer is not responding, press and hold the On button for approximately 5 seconds, or until the computer turns off. 4 Disconnect all peripheral devices from the computer, except the monitor, keyboard, and mouse. 5 Press the On button to turn on the computer.
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