Troubleshooting Guide
2–30 www.hp.com Troubleshooting Guide
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. In Windows XP, use the Add 
Hardware Wizard and follow the instructions that appear on the 
screen.
Solving Hardware Installation Problems 
Problem Cause Solution
A new device is not 
recognized as part of 
the system.
Device is not seated or 
connected properly. 
Ensure that the device is properly 
and securely connected and that 
pins in the connector are not 
bent down.
Cable(s) of new 
external device are 
loose or power cables 
are unplugged.
Ensure that all cables are properly 
and securely connected and that 
pins in the cable or connector are 
not bent down.
Power switch of new 
external device is not 
turned on.
Turn off the computer, turn on the 
external device, then turn on the 
computer to integrate the device 
with the computer system.
When the system 
advised you of changes 
to the configuration, you 
did not accept them.
Reboot the computer and follow the 
instructions for accepting the 
changes.
A plug and play board 
may not automatically 
configure when 
added if the default 
configuration conflicts 
with other devices.
Use Windows XP Device Manager 
to deselect the automatic settings for 
the board and choose a basic 
configuration that does not cause a 
resource conflict. You can also use 
Computer Setup to reconfigure or 
disable devices to resolve the 
resource conflict.










